This year’s varsity football team has been on a roller coaster consisting of the cancellation of their season, the constant uncertainty of a rescheduled season, and now the preparation for a chance to win the league for the 4th year in a row. For senior Joshua McIlroy, the opportunity to go out and play was all he wanted: “I just want to be able to go out and play with the guys I’ve been working with for so long”. Although the season is coming late, the players are still grateful to even have one.
While the season will only consist of 5 DEL games and no postseason, the prospects of a successful season are high from McIlroy’s perspective. He believes “this is one of the best defenses in the history of Palm Desert High School,” and that the “young guys on offense show a lot of potential.” He also claimed that “this year’s team is more determined and focused on winning” than the varsity team he watched as a freshman. Clearly, McIlory has a high level of confidence in this team, and that stems from confidence in his own abilities.
As a safety, McIlroy has to be a general on the field, making quick reads on plays and directing teammates. McIlroy enjoys the task, calling it “a very fun position to play” because of the chance to “play both the run and the pass.” McIlroy had 4 interceptions last year, displaying his ball skills and following in the footsteps of older brother Jacob, who played the same position and snagged 8 interceptions as a senior. There is no doubt that McIlroy has confidence in his ability to lead, or that the team has the ability to accomplish their lofty goals.