It wouldn’t be surprising if a picture of John DeLuca accompanied a list of definitions for the word “sacrifice’’ because the King Philip football captain is all about putting his team ahead of personal achievements.
The 5-foot-10, 195-pound senior quarterback, who led the Warriors to a 10-1 record as a sophomore, would gladly yield his role in the spotlight and play wherever Coach Brian Lee needs him. Besides quarterback, DeLuca can play linebacker, wide receiver, tailback and kicker and punter on special teams. Strictly a QB as a sophomore, he assumed the added duty of competing at outside linebacker as a junior and also lining up as tailback.
“Most kids want to play quarterback because it’s a glamorous position but John has always been willing to try different things,’’ Lee emphasized. “He’s puts his team first and shows leadership by the sacrifices he’s willing to make. He’s skilled in many areas, able to run, pass, punt and kick. He also holds for PATs.’’
DeLuca opened the season playing slot receiver on offense and outside linebacker on defense against North Attleboro. He even took a few snaps at quarterback as the Warriors posted a 19-7 triumph. But, the versatile DeLuca is acutely aware that Lee could alter the game plan at any time and move him elsewhere.
“I love football so much I’d enjoy any role,’’ DeLuca said. “I’m comfortable whether Coach Lee keeps me at QB or moves me to tailback or receiver. If a younger player were to become our QB, I’d be supportive, help with technique and offer advice.’’
Versatility is an asset but it also can be a bit of a drawback. Different positions have their own learning curves and the 17-year-old National Honor Society student fully understands that adapting to a new role must occur quickly.
“It’s tough to know all the technique immediately,’’ DeLuca said. “Each position has different aspects. You have to learn quickly but our assistant coaches have been very helpful with instruction.’’
DeLuca is a quarterback whose strengths include field awareness, speed, quickness, a strong arm, and an ability to scramble. “Where I can improve is reading defenses quicker and knowing more defensive packages,’’ he said. “But, as much as I like being a QB, my favorite position is outside linebacker. I love pursuing whoever’s got the ball and making hits. At linebacker, you have to be quick on your feet and develop good instincts.’’
DeLuca says his most memorable game came his sophomore season when he guided KP to a stunning 45-21 victory at Mansfield. “It was the first time we beat Mansfield in 13 years,’’ he said. “I had a touchdown pass but when the game ended, fans mobbed the players and the cheering was unbelievable.’’
During that 10-1 season, DeLuca passed for nine touchdowns and ran for five. Last year, when the Warriors slipped to a 5-6 record after losing 12 players to graduation and suffering some injuries, DeLuca ran for five TDs, passed for seven and was second in tackles.
A three-year varsity starter, DeLuca also will have three years of experience as a midfielder in lacrosse after he completes the spring season. He’ll also be a captain in lacrosse. “My style as a captain is to lead by example,’’ he noted. “If you do the right things on the field, others will respect that.’’
DeLuca is vocal about his respect for KP’s other grid captains — seniors Dan Loewen, Paul Macrina and Brett Mazur. Loewen and Macrina are two-way linemen and Mazur is a tight end and defensive end. “They all work hard and are great leaders on the field and in the classroom,’’ DeLuca said. “They all provide strength in the line and are great assets.’’
Lee is quick to credit DeLuca’s leadership when community service is a topic. “He prepared meals and helped feed the homeless on the streets of Providence,’’ Lee revealed.
Serving as National Honor Society vice-president, DeLuca hopes to continue his football career at a Division 3 college where he’ll major in engineering. “Some schools I’m looking at are Tufts, RPI and John Hopkins,’’ he said.
For the present, however, DeLuca, who was an honorable mention choice on the Hockomock League all-star team, is focusing on his competitive philosophy at KP. He believes that playing to his potential and enjoying sports are important “but when I’m on the field, I want to win.’’ His goals this season are to be the best he can be and to help get KP to its first Super Bowl.
“I also want to be a good leader and that means minimizing mistakes.’’ DeLuca admires the way football teaches life lessons. “You work as a team, set goals and overcome adversity,’’ he said. “Football also helps to develop trust.’’
A coach he respects and trusts is Lee, whom DeLuca labels as “a great mentor and motivator.’’ Lee’s knowledge of football and his willingness to answer any questions are areas DeLuca says make him “a great guy.’’
A willingness to improve in the off-season by lifting weights before school started is a key factor in John DeLuca’s drive to be so versatile.
And, a willingness to sacrifice makes him a special breed.
Issue Date:
October, 2016
Article Body:
Column: