Max Casillas has been playing football since seventh grade; he plays as a middle linebacker, also known as the “Mike” position.
Casillas’ favorite part of football is the physical contact. It’s the only sport where if something doesn’t go his way, he has the ability to fight back during the next play. He has played games where he straps his helmet as tight as possible and lets out all his pent up aggression during the remainder of the game. He and his team have a competition on who can have the most beat up helmet by the end of the season. His least favorite part is constantly having to go over basics; he feels he’s beyond that. The team only goes over them for the new athletes, but it’s still very boring for the player.
Casillas, unfortunately, wasn’t very hopeful about the team for the 2025 season.
“I wish I could say no, but after seeing how the team acted in the summer, it was no secret that we were going to go 2-8,” says Casillas.
Winning a game feels euphoric for the player. He feels nothing besides happiness when he and his brothers win. He feels that it’s the best feeling he has ever felt. Losing a game is a difficult experience for him; he gives everything he has to the sport but still ends up losing. He’s had emotional nights because of this exact feeling. Losing after physically draining himself is a hard reality for him to come to.
Casillas has fought through physical hardship because of his love for the sport.
“[My biggest accomplishment was] to fight through a shoulder injury and never giving up on myself or my team,” says Casillas.
Only having a year left is upsetting for Casillas. He’s sad to realize that he is coming up on his last year of his sport. Football is the sport that has made him the person he is. He has big plans for senior season; he is excited to lead his team through a hopefully winning season.
Casillas is motivated to keep playing because of the idea of improving himself.
“I play because I’m in the constant race against myself to get better. Football makes me a better man. Football has always helped me go through some of the toughest mental battles,” says Casillas.
After high school, if Casillas attends college, he will study either psychology or sports medicine. He is undecided on playing football during college, it depends on how senior season goes. He is very interested in playing collegiate football if he attends college.
