Gage Larvadain is the senior athlete of Riverside Academy. Although his primary position is manning the charge on offense at quarterback, Gage is placed in a multitude of other positions on the field including wide receiver and defensive back. From throwing dimes to picking deep throws, Gage solidifies himself each game as the guy to beat. However, his modesty and unselfishness have led his team to an undefeated record so far. Although he clocks in at 5′ 9″ 155lbs., his go-ahead attitude vision on the field and tenacity as a dual-threat makes Gage a future star before everyone’s eyes.
Find Gage’s Highlights HERE
Gage began his season with five touchdowns against Caldwell and the next week was featured as the Sportsline Player of the Week Oct. 9 to Oct. 15.
At what age did you begin playing football and what motivated you to play this sport?
I started playing football at around 5. I have an older brother that played baseball and I needed something to keep me active. But as I got older and bigger, I became better and better at it.
Do you play any other sports?
I play basketball, I play point guard.
How do you feel about not getting many offers from big schools because of your height?
It definitely motivates me to become better. I try to put it to the side and be unselfish for my teammates so that away we can win.
What has football taught you about yourself or life?
It’s definitely taught me that sometimes things are gonna go wrong or the way you don’t expect them to go. It taught me to be true to myself and just keep it going no matter what. Always be that fierce competitor.
What’s been the highlight of your football career?
I would have to say the start of my senior year. It’s starting out great, my teammates are starting out great, we’re 2-0 for the first time since I’ve been at Riverside, even before me playing.
What is it like having over 500 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in the first two games of the season?
It’s great you know I have teammates that have faith in me and so much faith in my coaching staff. They put in as much if not more work than me and it shows. I kind of get a lot of the praise but it’s those guys up front, Nick Washington and Tyler Lockhart, guys like that that make things look easier for me.
How do you think coaches and teammates would describe you as a player?
Coach KD would say I’m a risk-taker. Fourth and One, he would describe me as someone to go back 15 yards and still get the first down instead of taking the easy hitch route.
How do you fix your weaknesses on the field?
It starts with Caldwell and Catholic Point-Coupee, we’ve already beaten Sophie B. Wright in practice. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday we have prepared to beat them so that away we go into Friday with those weaknesses becoming less and less. We mentally prepare before the game, but it just happens on Friday.
What’s your favorite thing about playing football?
Football, I would think, is the only sport that a 5’ 9” 155lbs. kid, like myself, can go play with a 5’ 9” 300lbs. kid and we can brothers, we can be successful. You don’t really see that in basketball, it’s possible for sure, but I have so many brothers on this team that without football they wouldn’t be my brothers.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully successful somewhere. God put me on a path and I’m gonna stick to that path with athletics or sports whether it be football or basketball. I know he put me in the right position to help others and to help my family no matter what.
What would you tell younger players who want to play high school football one day?
Don’t let anyone tell you what you can and can’t be. Put your faith in God and you can whatever you want. Trust and faith.
Is there anyone you try to emulate on the field?
I would be lying if I said I didn’t. You should be your own man, but there are always that you pick and choose who you watch. There are always guys who have done it before you did it. Guys like Russell Wilson, Deshaun Watson, those competitors. Always someone to look up to.
How have you stayed in shape since last season?
We still got a little work, two of us in the weight room at a time just to get it in. We knew and we had faith in God that he would give us that opportunity to go out there and play football again with our brothers. I think that’s why we’ve been together. We go out there every game playing like it’s our last because with everything going out there in the world right now you never know.
What motivates you the most?
My mom still works, my mom still has a job. I want to be in a position where if she still has to work, it’s not a lot. She is a real hustler. She’s the truth. Because she has to work day after day to take care of me and my brothers so every time I touch that football field I kind of think of that and think that if they don’t want to give it to me I want to go and take it, for her.
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