The 49ers High School Player of the Week Award for week 1 goes to Mitch Ravizza from Willow Glen High School in San Jose.
This past Friday, the Willow Glen Rams defeated the Carlmont Scots 34-0.
One of the things that makes High School Football so special, is the fact that in many cases a player is called upon to fill a number of different rolls during a game. Later at the college and professional levels, players typically become highly specialized at one position. With this dynamic, you are able to see things in a high school game that you would not see anywhere else.
One such occasion was last Friday when the junior quarterback from Willow Glen, Mitch Ravizza had a hand in every single point the Rams scored. Through the air Ravizza was 22-28 for 215 yards and four touchdowns, he rushed for one touchdown and kicked all four of the Ram's successful extra points.
Willow Glen head coach Oscar Caballero admits that they would use him on defense as well if they didn't think it would detract from his offensive play.
A natural leader, the second year varsity player is the only junior to be named a team captain during coach Caballero's tenure.
"Mitch runs the offense the way it needs to be run, and puts guys in the spots they're suppose to be in", explains coach Caballero, and that is helped by "him being one of the more mature kids I have been around."
For being a leader on the field, and carrying a 3.1 grade point average in the classroom, the 49ers honor Willow Glen quarterback Mitch Ravizza as this week's High School Player of the Week.
As the home school of the 49ers High School Player of the Week, Willow Glen High School will receive a $500 grant for their football program. Ravizza will receive a 49ers hat and t-shirt, a certificate signed by 49ers Head Coach Mike Singletary, two tickets to a 49ers home game and recognition on 49ers.com. At the end of the season, Ravizza will be invited to the 49ers Training Facility to accept a trophy recognizing his achievement.
