Rising to the Challenge: Sophomore steps up as starter
After only seven games as a starting quarterback on the varsity football team, sophomore Cameron Rising has made his name one to remember.
In the football game against Dos Pueblos High School on Sept. 18, Rising made seven touchdown passes, tying the Ventura County record for the most touchdown passes in a single game. In the past months, his skills have garnered attention from both local media outlets such as the Thousand Oaks Acorn and LA Times, and college and university football programs.
This year, Rising’s transition from the freshman to varsity team forced him to grow as a player and adapt to the heightened intensity a varsity team requires. “(On varsity) there’s stronger players, faster players, bigger guys. You gotta make reads…faster,” Rising said. Despite the change of pace, Keith Smith, varsity football coach and former NPHS quarterback said, “he’s playing above where I thought he was going to be.”
According to MaxPreps, Rising has accumulated a total of 2215 passing yards, 31 touchdown passes, and 117 pass completions so far in his debut varsity season. Rising’s stats has led the local news outlet, the Thousand Oaks Acorn to name him a “breakout sophomore star.” Coach Keith Smith noted that quarterbacks typically attract much attention because they can make or break a game.
“It’s just something that you … never think would happen this young,” Rising said in regard to his success and acclaim.
Smith attributed Rising’s success to his confidence and optimism during games and at practice. “(He is) coming to practice every day with a positive attitude, literally every single day. And I think that becomes infectious,” Smith said.
Rising credits his teammates and coaches with his success this year. Throughout the season, his linemen and receivers have provided him with support and mentorship, making him the leader he is today.
“(Rising has) brought explosiveness to our offense,” said Jacob Blackburn, a right guard and defensive tackle player, “He’s the person that brings it all together for us.”
Seth Evans, one of the team’s captains, added, “We’re proud of him and proud of the way he handles situations in the game.”
The NPHS varsity football team will be squaring off against Adolfo Camarillo High School on Friday, Oct. 23, where Rising will once again be crucial in allowing the team to gain a victory. “You always got to go 100 percent, so I’m always trying to go 110 percent,” Rising said.
