AUGUST 20, 2014
Meet this week's four Falcon Football seniors
Logan Graf, Zeeshan Mallick, Bryce Mosher, Hunter Popp
Falcs scrimmage at Maryvale; Payton Ringwald starts at QB
Before profiling this week’s four seniors, here’s insight into Mike Hudnutt’s coaching philosophy – plus a Falcon update. After confirming the date
of the Falcons’ controlled scrimmage at Maryvale (Wed., August 20), I asked Coach Hudnutt, “Are you satisfied with the team’s progress to date?” Without hesitating, he answered, “I’m never satisfied! When I’m ‘satisfied’, that’s when my team stops trying to get better. I want players to get better every time they step on the field.” I’m certain Coach Hudnut’s mantra includes today’s scrimmage, “when it’s time to line up and play some football. Let’s see how our guys do in the sets my coaches and I have installed.”
Toward those objectives, Coach Hudnutt has closed the “revolving door” approach to naming his starting quarterback. He has selected senior Payton Ringwald to start at QB against Maryvale – and for the August 29 season opener at Raymond Kellis.
~ Pete Mohr
Logan Graf | 5’9”/155 | OLB/WR
Creeker native Logan Graf is ready: ready “to have a great winning season with my brothers”; ready “to lead his team”; and ready “to help lead the younger players.” Sounds like a senior leader to me. Born August 8, 1996, Logan is the son of Bonnie Graf (with whom he lives) and Tony Graf. This two-way player lettered as a Falcon Junior. He’s been playing organized football since second grade, most encouraged by Mom, Bonnie. The other lady in his camp is fellow senior Ashley Stevenson! At Cactus Shadows, Logan is a “Frozen Falcon” and plans to skate again this winter. He’s “not sure” about playing football at the next level and is presently uncertain as to his college preference. But for right now, Logan is more than certain about what he wants to get done as a Falcon Football senior. I believe that he will.
Zeeshan Mallick | 5’7”/145 | CORNERBACK
Yet another Creeker native, this scrappy-sized young man vows to “to play to the best of my ability in my last football year ever.” His personal goal for this 2014 season is to earn a starting position at cornerback. Zeeshan returns to the Falcons after taking a two-year “sabbatical” from football; but he’s not a newcomer to the sport, having started his organized football career as a sixth grader. He’s a CCUSD “lifer.” Born February 6, 1997, Zeeshan is the son of Creekers Khursheed and Shamina Mallick. Zeeshan credits his dad, Khursheed, as being his biggest football encourager. Following graduation next May, Zeeshan plans to attend ASU, pursuing an Engineering degree. Zeeshan, I wish you a successful season in your football finale.
Bryce Mosher | 6’1”/230 | OFFENSIVE LINEMAN
Better watch out, former head coach Greg Davis! Bryce Mosher lists as his personal goal for this season “to beat PV!” I applaud this young man’s objective for his teammates: “We need to post a winning record and have fun doing it!” Last time I looked, playing a varsity sport in high school is supposed to be “fun.” “Right on!” Bryce. Born April 19, 1997 in Tucson, Bryce lives with his Creeker parents, Rusty and Nancy Mosher. He first played organized football as a CSHS freshman, always in the trenches as an “O” lineman. Coach Hudnutt can identify with that role. Parents Rusty and Nancy have been his biggest football boosters. He acknowledges that he enjoys the respect Football Falcons have on campus, recognizing his responsibility “to set an example.” 2014 will be Bryce’s football swan song. Following graduation, Bryce plans to head for the NAU pines, majoring in Forestry. Bryce, best wishes for the great senior season you’re primed for!
Hunter Popp | 5’9”/145 | FREE SAFETY
Defensive back (free safety) Hunter Popp is looking “to have fun in my last year of football” – his definition of “fun” being to make his share of interceptions (picks), and for the Falcons to make the Division 2 State Playoffs. Born October 9, 1996 in Scottsdale, Hunter lives with his Creeker parents Scott and Robyn Popp. Hunter, too, is a CCUSD “lifer,” first playing organized football as a sixth grader. His dad Scott has been most behind Hunter’s football; but he also has a “special lady” in the West Stands, junior Corrine Querrey! Following graduation, Hunter plans to attend University of Wisconsin as a Business major. “Go Hunter!” “Go Badgers!”
