Jake Ladd goe aftr the ball last season.
File photoEVART – Jake Ladd is among the reasons Evart ‘s football team is expected to be very formidable on the gridiron this season.
It’s his senior season for the Wildcats. He’s played the sport 10 seasons and this will be his second year.
“Things went good last year,” Ladd said. “I wasn’t as strong as I am now. I’m definitely a lot stronger so I’ll be better this year.”
Ladd will be starting at wide receiver and safety for the Wildcats, the same positions he was at a year ago.
With quarterback Preston Ladd throwing the ball effectively, Ladd is hoping to see plenty of footballs thrown his way.
“I think a strength will be how quick I am,” Ladd said.
He had a 60-yard pass reception last year.
At safety Ladd will be called upon to demonstrate his talents on pass defense.
“The key will be how I can play the ball and how I can read it,” he said. “I hope to be a good tackler, too.”
Ladd said he put in extensive time during the offseason getting ready for football. “I came here two times a week weight lifting and at all the min-camps and also the 7-on-7s,” he said.
Ladd also plays basketball and baseball at Evart and did summer league for basketball and also saw some summer baseball action.
“They’re all equally fun,” Ladd said.
Evart opens the season at home on Aug 26 against Beaverton.
“We’ll be really good this year,” Ladd said. “We have a great line and our running-back blocking is strong.”
The Wildcats should be conference and playoff contenders, he said.
“Jake’s a four-year player for us and it’s his second year on varsity,” coach Pat Craven said. “Jake really challenged himself to improve his physical body to get strong. He worked diligently all winter, spring and summer to make himself stronger. He’s a scrappy player and we like him a lot.”
THE JAKE LADD FILE
Favorite food: cheeseburger
Favorite subject in school: History
Favorite TV show: The Office
Favorite movie: Stepbrothers
Favorite musician: Zack Bryan
Favorite activity outside of sports: State trooper
