NCPreps.com Spotlight: Bryce Vestal
One of the major reasons the East Wilkes Cardinals are off to a hot 7-0 record is the play of dual-threat quarterback Bryce Vestal. Vestal, a 6’0 190-pounder has tormented the Cardinals’ opponents with his command of the option game and a very accurate passing attack. The senior was pressed into duty as a sophomore due to injuries and he hasn’t looked back. The experienced that Vestal got that year in leading the Cardinals to a Mountain Valley 1A/2A Conference championship and deep playoff run is help fueling this year as well.
How is your season going?
“Our season so far is going great. Offensively, we are hitting on all cylinders. Our defense is handling business and getting us the ball back. We’re averaging right at 50 points per game and a big thing for us is that we’re not turning the ball over. It’s been the most enjoyable season yet. We just have to keep coming in to practice day in and day out working to become better and better every week.”
What are your thoughts on your team this year?
“This season, our team is loaded with talent, but the biggest thing with us is that we have been playing together our whole lives and we have formed a special bond. So that chemistry carries over to practice and the games. We can run it up the middle, we can get the ball outside on the perimeter, and we have the ability to beat you through the air. We don’t just depend on one guy. We have multiple players that carry it for us and it has been working very well so far. Defensively, our coaches come up with a great game plan every week and those guys just go out and DO THEIR JOB week in week out.”
What are your stats?
“My stats so far in 7 games are the following: 39 of 62 passes for 826 yards with 14 touchdowns and 1 INT; over 600 rushing yards with 8 touchdowns.”
What are your strengths on the football field?
“I feel like some of my strengths on the field include leadership ability, being able to motivate my teammates to just do their job each and every play. I have good arm strength. My longest throw in the air is 60 yards. I think I have great vision when running the ball and the ability to see cut lanes. I can make people miss as well as use my stature to move the pile to gain an extra two yards. But I feel like my greatest strength is that I am a student of the game and I have mastered the triple option offense. It just comes like clockwork making reads.”
What schools are you interested in?
“I am very interested in Lenoir Rhyne, Wofford, Carson-Newman, Elon, The Citadel, Catawba, App State, and Wingate.”
What other sports do you play?
“I’ve played varsity basketball since i was a sophomore and earned Honorable Mention All-Conference last year. I have also played varsity baseball since I was a sophomore, earning All-Conference both years.”