Sam Eddy is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover McClintock High School for AZPreps365.com.

McClintock seniors Jeremiah Latu and Lawrence Monroe have been making plays on both sides of the ball this year for the Chargers. With new head coach Mike Fell leading the charge and the team missing starters, Latu and Monroe have found themselves playing positions they typically have not played in the past.

Latu grew up playing on the offensive and defensive lines. Last year Latu switched from the defensive line to linebacker because his speed increased.

“When they switched me last year, it was a whole new thing for me and so much to take in,” Latu said.

The coaches from last year put Latu in a new position on defense, but it would be the current coaching staff that saw there was more for him to do offensively. Latu is listed at 6 feet, 245 pounds. Not your average size for a high school running back, but Latu’s combo of size and speed has carved out a role for him to run the ball. In a game against Benjamin Franklin, Latu rushed for two touchdowns and converted a few two-point conversions.

“Once you make that one touchdown, you feel like you never want to leave this place,” Latu said.

Latu has always enjoyed defense, but now that he has been rushing the ball, it has given him a new appreciation for the game. Latu has become a game-changer running the football and credits his new head coach for utilizing him in a way he has never been used before.

The Chargers have found different ways to be successful, especially with multiple starters out for the season. It is Monroe, who spends no time off the field, doing whatever it takes to help his team win.

“On the days where you feel like you aren’t going as hard you remember that you are a two-way player and that you need to be doing this so that you can be the best version of yourself for the team,” Monroe said.

Monroe’s all-around impact on the Chargers was on full display for two weeks. Against Benjamin Franklin, Monroe had one rushing and one receiving touchdown to go along with a defensive interception in his team’s win. The performance followed up the previous game, when Monroe had a kick return for a touchdown. Amid the scoring plays and defensive takeaways, Monroe started to punt as well after an injury to quarterback and punter Peter Clark.

“When the guys went out there, I asked who can punt, and he said I can punt, so I go, 'All right, now you are the punter, too,'” Fell said.

Both seniors have been willing to play whatever positions the coaches tell them to, so they can put their team in a spot to be successful. Despite Latu and Monroe expressing how hard playing all the time can be on their bodies, the two would not change a thing. It takes a certain amount of toughness and love for the game to do what Latu and Monroe are doing for McClintock. With section games coming up, Latu and Monroe will continue to play both sides and give it their best effort to help the Chargers win one week at a time.