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Trib HS Insider Q&A: Scott Fennell, Ligonier Valley
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By Dave Mackall
Published: Thursday, September 6, 2012, 12:05 a.m.
Updated: Thursday, September 6, 2012
For as long as he could remember, Scott Fennell had been waiting for this moment, a chance to be the starting quarterback for the Ligonier Valley football team.
Oh, what a performance he put on.
The junior passed for two touchdowns and rushed for two more, and he made his mark on defense, as well, intercepting two passes, to lead Ligonier Valley past Purchase Line, 47-0, in the season opener Friday on the road.
Fennell, who spent most of last season watching then-quarterback Ryan Knupp lead Ligonier Valley to an 8-3 record with a trip to the District 6 playoffs, will look to continue his early-season success, when the Rams play their home opener Friday against United.
Q: What was it like to get on the field for your first start?
A: I've been waiting for it ever since midget and junior high football. I've always been looking up to the high school players. It was a dream come true playing Friday night. I got in a little in games before, but nothing like this. I was definitely nervous, but we prepared all summer long, so I thought we'd be all right.
Q: How much of what you took in last season as a backup do you apply?
A: I got in for a few snaps at the end of games. I focused on the playbooks. I took a lot of mental reps in practice. Whenever I did get in, I tried to do my best to get acclimated to the offense.
Q: What do you feel you need to improve on?
A: I need to make quicker decisions. (Against Purchase Line), I waited too long to throw my passes. I waited for the target to get open instead of just leading the receiver. As we go along and as I go over my reads, I'll get more comfortable.
Q: Who's been your biggest influence?
A: Probably my brother, Will. He played quarterback here in ‘07 and ‘08. He was the quarterback the last time we had a perfect (regular) season (9-0 in 2007 before a loss to Bellwood-Antis in the District 6 playoffs). He's taught me a lot in football and life. He's a great role model.
Q: Do you have a role model in sports, someone you might try to emulate?
A: Characterwise, I really like Tim Tebow because he's such a great person. His character is kind of unmatched. Gamewise, skillwise, Peyton Manning is the best. Mechanically, from snaps to reads, he is one of the best there's ever been.
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