Senior Profile: Quarterback Andrew Lisa

Andrew Lisa has established himself as a team leader on and off the field for the Quaker football team. He has helped the Quakers to a 4-2 record heading into this week’s game against Highland.

Moorestown Patch and Lisa took time to talk about college plans, juggling schoolwork with sports, and what Lisa hopes to teach the younger players in the program.

Potential Colleges: I will continue my studies at either the University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University, or Harvard University.

Area of study interested in once you attend college: Business, economics

Moorestown Patch: Do you play any other sports?
Andrew Lisa: Yes, I play baseball as well.

Patch: How do you juggle your time while constantly being in practice or on the field?
Lisa: I use my time very wisely in school, trying to complete all my homework during study hall hours and study at night.

Patch: What is it like to be a senior leader?
Lisa: It is very exciting knowing you are the guy everyone looks at for guidance. Especially in my position on the field, I have to be the leader because when adversity arises I have to stay calm and make sure everyone is still in the game.

Patch: Do you plan to play football in college?
Lisa: Yes, I plan on playing quarterback at one of those three universities.

Patch: Do you plan on playing any other sports?
Lisa: I will end up playing pickup basketball and playing some type of baseball because I cannot give that aspect of my life up so easily.

Patch: What or who got you so interested in football?
Lisa: My father. Ever since I was little, he has been teaching me the game. He still does that now with film studies, and just trying to be a real student of the game and learning as much as I can so that I will be able to carry all those aspects onto the field and be very prepared. Also, he played safety for Penn and I have always wanted to live in his footsteps—but also outshine him for some bragging rights.

Patch: What is so enjoyable about football for you?
Lisa: I know when the game is on the line the ball is in my hands. I want to be the guy to either make the win happen or take the blame for the loss. That’s what being a quarterback is, wanting the ball every play and wanting that pressure to perform. You have to step on the field knowing you are the best, having a confidence but not a cockiness about you. Because if you don’t than there is no way you will perform to your highest ability. Football is also the only sport where you need to be as smart as you are skilled, at least for a quarterback. That is also why I enjoy football so much. You need to use your brain and react to situations instantly and that comes from being a student of the game.

Patch: If there was one thing you could teach the younger players on the team before the season is over, what would it be?
Lisa: I would have to say being smart. If you understand the game and have the ability to outsmart the opponent and react correctly to the card you've been dealt than I can guarantee you will succeed. 

Patch: What are your favorite classes and why?
Lisa: Math. I have always been good with numbers and being able to understand conceptually the aspects of a problem.

Patch: Who are your favorite teachers and why?
Lisa: My favorite teacher is Mr. Eagles. I have known him since seventh grade and have a really good relationship with him from a personal and student standpoint.

Patch: What has been the highlight of your football career so far?
Lisa: It would have to be when I got the offers (from the universities) I wanted and worked my entire life for. It amazes me how I can use something I love to get into the best universities in the country and continue my education. Being able to play quarterback and receive a top-notch education is something I've always dreamt of.

Patch: Who has influenced you the most during your time at Moorestown High School?
Lisa: Probably my classmates. They have taught me lessons that are very valuable.

Patch: What is the most important thing the coaching staff has taught you in your time on the squad?
Lisa: That being a leader is the main aspect of being a great quarterback. They always say you can have all ability in the world, but if you don’t apply it and lead in your position than you will become another face in the crowd. Besides that they have taught me so many tips and tricks to enhance my game and I thank them for that.

Patch: What have you learned from your teammates while playing football for Moorestown?
Lisa: That some people need to be handled, taught, or disciplined different ways. They have taught me lessons that will stick with me for the rest of my life because they showed me certain kids will react differently towards you. You have to talk to or correct everyone different. Being with these guys is something I will never forget and the brotherhood we have shows us we are true teammates to one another. Knowing that 40 years from now we could be talking about a certain play or a certain game is unbelievable.

Patch: What motivates you to succeed in each game?
Lisa: The thought of having a ring on my finger. Also proving to people what type of player I am. I have the thought that someone is always watching no matter what you do, so being able to impress that person drives me immensely. 

Patch: Which school has been your biggest rival throughout your varsity career?
Lisa: There has not really been a rival during my varsity career. I kind of picture every game as a rival because everyone is gunning for us and being able to have every team circle our game on the calendar as the highlight game is an honor, but also a challenge I would want.