2021 PFN Player Preview: Matt Merritt – Central Valley @matt_merritt17 @warriors_cv @CoachLyonsCVfb

Tagged under: District 7, Player Previews

Tristan Klinefelter | June 18, 2021

Matt Merritt 

Central Valley High School 

Class of 2022 

OLB/QB 

Ht: 6’3 Wt: 220 

Other sports: Basketball 

Awards: All-State and All-Conference 

2020 stats: 90 total tackles on defense with three sacks and an interception. 

Twitter: @matt_merritt17 

Why do you play football? 

I play football because I fell in love with it. My family has a background, my dad coached and my whole family played football. I actually didn’t play until fourth grade so I got a late start compared to many other kids. I fell in love with it playing in the backyard and as soon as I touched a football I knew this was gonna be my sport.  

What has been your best memory from football so far? 

Either winning at Aliquippa 46-6 at their place or winning the State Championship game. 

Who is your favorite pro athlete and why?

Larry Bird, just because all the messages he came across like hard work can get you places and I love watching old highlights and I think by far he is one of the best NBA players. 

Who is your biggest fan and why? 

My mom or dad, because they always have been there for me and never and even when I thought football wasn’t my choice and I played baseball. But I came back and they support me every day.  

Is there any specific person you look up to and use as a role model?  

My cousin, because of the person he is and the athlete he was. He put a message on me when I was young to just work hard and get good grades and the biggest is to be a good person and a role model to others.   

What is your desired major in college?  

Undecided.

Coming off a year with COVID struggles, what do you think this year will be like?

As regards to our school, we tried to make it as normal as possible. Hopefully to get a good amount of fans because we have the best fan base in our area and maybe the state. Even people outside of the state hear about Central Valley football and love it because of past players and history of winning. We’ve only been a school for 11 years but we have had so much success. But I am excited about the student section again and hearing fans cheer my name. 

Favorite play to run?

Edge blitz, I just wanna go in and make a play. 

What is your personal goal for this season?

This year, just do better than last year. We kinda had games where we only played one or two drives. Just show people the type of player I am and I can change a game in a play. I wanna be a leader to my teammates and show the younger guys how it is to play Central Valley football at a high level.

Favorite pre-game meal?

Chick-fil-A sandwich.

Sports movie?

Facing the Giants.

Sport you’d love to play but can’t?

Volleyball.

Would you consider a hot dog to be a sandwich?

No, I would consider a hot dog to be a hotdog.

Most embarrassing sports moment?

When I was younger I went to make a tackle and got run over. But it taught me a lesson: go after them, don’t let them come to you. 

What are you looking forward to most this year?

Going back to the state championship. I think we have the guys to do it. We have a young offense and I think we have one of the best defenses in the state. 

Favorite activities?

Fishing, playing cornhole, and spike ball.

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