Being on a high school varsity team is difficult in many ways. The transition from junior varsity to varsity is dramatic. Players are faster, stronger, bigger and more aggressive. The game has more strategy its played faster and players are expected to learn faster.

Shakuan Smith who played varsity as a sophomore speaks about the challenges, “On Varsity everyone is much bigger and faster. It’s like playing against grown men. My first time on the field I was very nervous but my first hit I did well.” said Smith.

It takes a lot of ambition and dedication to succeed on varsity. Jullian Ansah who moved up junior year said,  “varsity is a whole different level of play. It’s a huge jump from jv to varsity. You have to live in the weight room and be a lot more determined. You have to make your grades a lot better than what they were on JV also.”

The JV coach, Joseph Barratta tried to explain the difference, “ The difference between jv and varsity coaching is jv is teaching the basics and varsity is getting back into and game planning for the next opponent .“  

Varsity football Coach Gambardella looks for dedication, ability to work and talent to decide if jv players should move up. “Nothing should prevent a player from succeeding but themselves, meaning work hard no shortcuts and nothing is going to be given to you.”