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SEATTLE- 273 days in counting. Senior captain and quarterback Hutton Leverett has been thinking about the first drive of his senior season for almost a full year. After leading the Fighting Irish to a state championship last year, expectations are set high for this current season.  

The first game on the schedule definitely didn’t settle any nerves, as the Irish were going against a very competitive Graham-Kapowsin team, where he would go head-to-head against the number one ranked quarterback in the state, AJ Tuivaiave.  

Leverett was motivated and ready to set the tone for the Irish’s first drive of the game, when BAM! Leverett goes down. Although it may have looked like a normal hit, the effect of it would leave him out for the next few games.  

“At first I was bummed for sure no doubt about it, but I always knew God had a plan for me and it was meant to be,” Leverett said about his injury.  

Most people in Leverett’s position would think negatively, feel bad about themselves, or maybe even blame others for the injury. However, Leverett was the opposite. He immediately praised his teammates who had to step up in possibly the most competitive game of the year.  

“We've had a lot of people going down, a lot of people have done a great job in stepping up in spots they weren't expecting to.” 

Even so, the effort from those stepping up weren’t enough as O’Dea lost in heartbreaking fashion to the Eagles 40-38. After week one the Irish were in need of some momentum to get their season on track.  

Despite Leverett being sidelined he still did as much as he could to make sure his team stayed composed and ready.  

“I brought as much as I could in the leadership aspect,” said Leverett, who shows his leadership as much inside of school where he serves as school captain as he does on the field.  

The Fighting Irish followed the loss with two straight wins against Rainier Beach (31-16) and Seattle Prep (39-14). This led them straight into their annual rivalry game against the second ranked team in 3A, Eastside Catholic. 

 As this week rolled around, Leverett was given the green light to get back into practice and start against their divisional and state rivals. 

“I just want to go out there, have fun with the guys, and really just do my best to lead these guys to where we need to be,” Leverett said. 

 Nerves were high. Eastside Catholic is not an easy game back. However, he truly showed his composure and the impact he can make while on the field, leading the Irish to a 24-20 victory.  

Looking forward, the Fighting Irish are doing their best to keep momentum and while they are focused on the next game on their schedule, they do have their sights set high.  

“I think a state championship is our ultimate goal.”  

Not just for himself, but for his team, Leverett is focused on leaving a lasting mark on O’Dea history. 

“I just want to make sure I'm able to do my best to lead the guys, set a good example, and send this team off on a good note my senior year.”