The 2019 high school football season continues with impressive victories between great match-ups. With a score of 19-6, the Mills Vikings, led by head coach Kevin Thorson, beat the Jefferson Grizzlies.
Junior Running Back and Middle Linebacker, David Fifita (#23) had several impactful plays throughout the night that helped lead the Vikings to victory. Fifita is a 5'9", 190-pound Junior for the Mills Vikings, who is playing his second year on the varsity team since being brought up his sophomore year. On Friday night, Fifita had a total of 20 carries for 140 yards and 2 touchdowns on the offensive side of the ball, and 10 tackles and a key interception while on the defensive side of the ball.
Coach Thorson says they prepared heavily for the game, "we started the game with new plays on drives that the other team wasn't able to anticipate." Although the Vikings had many key players out due to injuries, they still had control of the ball for the majority of the game. Coach Thorson believes Fifita's interception was a key part in securing this week's win because it kept the Grizzlies from scoring.
"David has a high football IQ," says Coach Thorson. "He is receptive to new plays and is able to explain them to his teammates." Fifita has learned throughout the years the importance of being a team leader and understanding the big picture.
Fifita is a multi-sport athlete who plays Rugby during the football off-season. When he is not playing a sport, Fifita enjoys spending his free time volunteering at his local church supporting them in whatever is needed at that time. He also enjoys spending time with his family – he even works construction with his dad. Although Fifita understands the importance of his future, he stays focused on the present. "David is dedicated and wants to achieve, but we encourage our athletes to focus on here and now," says Coach Thorson.
As the school of this week's recipient of the 49ers PREP High School Player of the Week Award presented by U.S. Bank, Mills High School will receive a $500 grant towards its football program. As part of this award, Fifita will receive two tickets to a 49ers home game where he will be recognized on the field during the pre-game ceremony. At the end of the season, Fifita will be presented his award by 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan during a closed practice at the SAP Performance Facility.
Congratulations, David!
