Jackson Zuber is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Valley Christian for AZPreps365

Most senior varsity starting quarterbacks would not be okay with sharing reps in practice and games. Most also would not want to play wide receiver, defensive back and return-specialist. Most would never show up to junior varsity football games. Valley Christian’s Vinnie Lagatta is not like most people.

Trojans coach Kirk Sundberg got lucky with the group of seniors in his second year with the program. With a smaller roster he needs his group to buy into the idea of playing multiple roles and Lagatta leads his team by example. “He would literally do anything that we ask him to do to help this team win,” said Sundberg.

The Valley Christian quarterback is not what one would call a vocal leader, but Lagatta can get his teammates ready to follow him into battle with a single fiery look. “He’s not gonna stand on the bench and give a pregame speech,”  said Sundberg, “but he’s gonna get that look in his eye in the fourth quarter of a close game looking at everyone in the huddle, and they’re gonna know we are gonna get this done.”

Lagatta is a special athlete. One thing he does not have skill at is talking up his own accomplishment. He much rather discuss his teammates. “We just have such a great connection and chemistry on both sides of the ball,” said Lagatta. “It just makes the game easy to play.”

That chemistry is built in this program from the top down. Lagatta is vital in that process. He can often be seen supporting the junior varsity team at its game, something that is not required for him to do. He, however, does not stop there. At the game, he helped fill up the water bottles and clean up the trash.

Lagatta’s efforts are not something lost on his teammates. Fellow utility-man Tony Gomez Jr., running back, defensive back and place kicker, knows the importance of strong leaders. “It’s just great for the team having guys top to bottom that have bought in,” said Gomez.

Next up for the Trojans is Northwest Christian this Friday. They’ll be putting their undefeated record (4-0) on the line against a team that beat them twice last year. But with Vinnie Lagatta setting the tone, the Trojans will be locked in and up for the challenge.