Senior Profile: Candelaria's play is all about passion

Willows High's Trevor Candelaria started playing football around age 11, and has no intentions of slowing down.

As a defensive tackle and offensive lineman for the Honkers, he says he's able to "keep in the action, because on the line is where it all happens. I love playing on the line."

When you consider that Candelaria relishes the competitiveness and the constant challenge of his sport, you need not question why he enjoys his position on the line.

The fidelity Candelaria has for football after having played for so long is reminiscent of his favorite player - Ray Lewis - a linebacker known throughout the NFL for his zeal and intensity, but also his role as leader of the Baltimore Ravens.

"His passion for the game is amazing. He has passion more than anyone else," Candeleria said.

When it comes to his own team, Candelaria is optimistic about its future.

"We are working on getting the offense and everything lined up. We have new running backs and we are looking forward to this week's game against Hamilton," he said.

Aside from the challenge his sport provides, Candelaria also tries his hardest to maintain good grades, with his favorite subject being math.

Some wouldn't consider math and football closely linked, but Candelaria appreciates the cerebral thinking involved in football.

"I enjoy the strategy, and I think football is mostly about the strategy. It's not necessarily always about having the best players all the time. It's strategy and choosing the right plays."

After his career as a Honker is over, Candelaria plans on getting out of the area to attend a four-year university.

While no plans are set in stone, he's considering following in his mother's footsteps and going into medicine as a respiratory therapist or something else involved in medicine and caring for people.

No matter where he lands or what he ends up pursuing, Candelaria knows one thing for sure: When asked if he will continue playing sports and loving football his answer is a simple yet resounding, "Yes."

CONTACT Emily Saint-Evens at 824-7990 or esaintevens@tcnpress.com.

Each Saturday, Tri-County Newspapers profiles a senior athlete. If you would like to nominate someone who has an interesting story, please e-mail your suggestion to Craig Purcell at cpurcell@tcnpress.com.