School is over and football practice is just starting for Gilbert. Quarterback Will Plummer leads his teammates during stretches until the walkt through practice starts.

The junior quarterback is the leader of the Tigers.

But it wasn’t a role he took himself. Plummer did not want to step over the seniors. He accepted the position only after his teammates asked him.

Coach Derek Zellner said Plummer has improved by becoming more of a leader by example and not just vocally.

“This guy is a fiery competitor and wants to win and he’s just showing them the ways of Fridays are a lot different than Wednesdays and Thursdays,” Zellner said.

Plummer leads the Tigers (3-2) with 1,606 passing yards and 240 rushing yards.

Plummer treats everyone on the team the same way.

“He’s really good with the players,” wide receiver Wyatt Zellner said. “He makes sure not to leave anyone out.”

Plummer said assistant coach Brandon Johnson taught him “how the leader plays the football game is how everyone else will play the game.”

Plummer switched positions from tight end to quarterback this season.

“I don’t care if I’m playing quarterback, receiver, tackle or guard. I don’t care what I have to do,” Plummer said. “Whatever coach feels is the best position for me on the field, that’s what I’m going to do.”

For now, he is fulfilling his role as quarterback and leader of the team.

Plummer said his offensive line was not on the same page during Gilbert’s 47-0 loss to Notre Dame Prep. 

Plummer told his offensive line, “Guys, we have to come together as one, let’s just shake it off and just relax. There’s no reason to panic right now.”

Plummer hopes to create a lasting legacy at Gilbert. “I want to be able to put Gilbert on the map, so people that are in junior high don’t have to move,” Plummer said. “I’m going to do whatever I can to get this school on the map and winning.”