Senior quarterback Brett Stephens, who led the team to the 2011 NCS Division III title, is out for the remainder of the 2012 football season with a shoulder “stinger.” According to Stephens, he realized something was wrong during the Miramonte game on September 28.

“I’ve gotten a stinger before and just kept playing, but this didn’t get any better so I went and checked it out,” explained Stephens, who is one of the top rated quarterbacks in Norther California. According to Stephens, the injury is expected to keep him out for the remainder of the season. However, he said, “[I am] going to see some specialists, so I haven’t given up hope yet.”

“I’m bummed I can’t finish my senior year, but at the same time, I am excited too about doing a new role, being a good teammate, and helping the team whatever way I can,” said Stephens.

The varsity is prepared to march on after losing their star quarterback. Coach Kevin Macy said, “We lost a standout player in not just his athletics. We also lost his leadership skills on the field.” Macy added, “It cannot help but effect the team when you lose someone of his caliber.”

The team does have the ability to win without Stephens. They “rebounded really well, and rose up their level of play and got a huge win against Los Lomas,” said Stephens.

According to sophomore Jack Stephens, Brett’s brother, “the game against Las Lomas was the first game in 5 and a half years that a Stephens hasn’t played quarterback, but the team really came together and rallied around him.”

Andrew Zolintakis has replaced Stephens as the offensive field general. Zolintakis said he is “nervous, but excited” about his new role. He also said, “the team believes in me and the coaches believe in me.”

The varsity football team will play again on October 19 against Alhambra.