Stephen Beattie is rolling his eyes as he's reading this. And his mother, Shelly, couldn't believe he agreed to be singled out in his own story.
"That's just him," she said.
Beattie is not a quarterback, running back or wide receiver - he's the center on the offensive line of the undefeated Region 2 champion Youngsville Eagles, but not the center of attention. He doesn't score the touchdowns, and that's just perfect by him.
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Times Observer photo by Allen Seybert
Youngsville senior Stephen Beattie
"He'd rather step back and have somebody else get the spotlight," said his mother.
The senior lineman enters the playoff game against West Middlesex on Friday with 42 tackles, including 16 tackles for a loss of yardage, one sack and one forced fumble on the season.
But when his mother congratulates him on a great game or a great play, he just rolls his eyes at her.
A little "Q & A" with Stephen Beattie:
Q: Who are your parents and siblings, what sports do you participate in?
A: My mom is Michelle and my dad is Stephen. I also have an older sister, Kayla. I participate in football and wrestling.
Q: I understand this group of seniors has played together, for the most part, since about fourth grade. How long have you really been playing together and what does that add to this year's Region 2 title run, both in team chemistry and enjoyment?
A: I've played football with these guys for as long as I have been playing. We all get along real well and it's a great group of guys that love playing the game, which makes it easy to be successful.
Q: Tell me a little about the center position - Have you always played center and what do you enjoy about it, or not enjoy?
A: I've been the center since my junior year. It's a great position to play and I really enjoy it.
Q: What has this experience meant to you?
A: It has meant a lot. I've enjoyed all the years that I have played football.
Q: Tell me something about the center position not many people know about.
A: Snapping the ball in the mud and the rain is a lot tougher than some people may think.
Q: When Jordan Gurdak breaks a 60-yard touchdown run, do you run all the way down the field to celebrate with him? What type of feeling do you get when everything goes right on a play like that? And how many times would you say you worked on that exact play in practice to perfect it?
A: I don't run quite as fast as he does, but I make my way down the field to congratulate him. It's always a great feeling to see your teammate make a big play and score a touchdown. We run every play a lot in practice so we can perfect every play as much as we can.
Q: Did you see the success of this year's team coming? When did you realize this team could win the Region 2 title? How did that make you feel to hear you were picked seventh in the region before the season started?
A: I expected to be successful. We all worked hard in the offseason and came into this season ready to win. Being picked seventh just made us work harder to show everyone what we can do as a team.
Q: What groups, clubs or hobbies are you involved in outside of sports?
A: When I'm not doing sports I like to spend my time outdoors. I'm a volunteer firefighter for Garland Volunteer Fire Department.
Q: How did you get involved in that and why?
A: It's kind of a family thing. My mom and step dad have been involved in the fire department for a long time.
Q: Tell me about a particular play that you remember as being one of your favorite and break it down.
A: We have so many great plays I can't pick just one as my favorite.
Q: What do you want to do after high school?
A: I will probably go to college but undecided as to where.
Q: Describe yourself as an athlete, on the field. What do you do or think about to "rev" yourself up before a big game or match?
A: I listen to some good music and get focused to play.
Q: Who is your inspiration and why?
A: All of my family and friends who have supported me through the years.
Q: What is at least one thing from football that you think will help you in life.
A: Hard work. With a little hard work and dedication you can get far in life.
Q: What is your best characteristic as an athlete, and does that mirror you outside of sports?
A: Dedication. I try to be successful in all aspects of my life.
Q: Tell me once question I forgot to ask, and then answer it.
A: Are you going to miss playing football once the season is over?
Yeah, I've had a lot of good memories and I'm going to miss playing with my team.