Kavon Simmons is the starting quarterback for the second year in a row, now as a junior. 

It’s been a journey leading the varsity at a young age, but there are many good things that come along with it. 

“It feels good, especially playing for Wake Forest,” Simmons said. “It’s a great team with great coaches.” 

Simmons has a duty to lead the team and make sure they keep pushing to be better.

“I stay on them and make sure they aren’t satisfied,” Simmons said.

Having all the pressure on, Simmons not only has to motivate the team but himself. 

The end goal of winning the state championship is what drives Simmons.

Simmons notes that, “we got a lot of new kids on defense that didn’t play last year,” but his offensive line is a different story. 

“I am very comfortable. All five of them came back from last year which is a big piece not a lot of teams get,” Simmons said.

He feels the 2022 season helped him with, “being a little smarter. I’ve learned from my experiences last year.”

Part of his learning curve after the first season included changing his off-season focus. 

“Working more in off time and not as much resting. Working more for the end goal,” Simmons said.

And with that preparation and experience came some wisdom.

“Be confident and trust your ability. A lot of teams do the same thing we do. Go out and trust the process,” Simmons said.  

Several aspects of the 2022 season are fresh in his mind as Simmons prepares for the 2023 conference games, including the camaraderie. 

“I would say it’s exciting and fun. It was my first year playing varsity and it was fun being out there with great teammates,” Simmons said.

But falling short of a championship left Simmons feeling, “a little more hunger from losing in playoffs.” 

And while football is a team sport, as quarterback Simmons can and does affect the outcome. 

“I love to win,” Simmons said. The harder I work and the better I do ultimately helps the end goal.” 

Winning doesn’t come easy, and Simmons knows football can be a cruel teacher. 

“Adversity through the season like loss, injury, or any moral lesson,” Simmons said.

As the conference season opens, the team has future games to look forward to. 

“Rolesville and Millbrook, those last games seal the deal. Conference championship is the goal,” Simmons said.

Student-athletes have many challenges on and off the field. A lot of times it’s hard to balance both the sport and school.

“Time management, making sure my grades are good first then football. I should focus on those more than other things,” Simmons said.

Aside from football, Simmons has goals for the future. 

“Go to college. Possibly doing something business-wise,” Simmons said.

As Simmons looks forward to the accomplishments that might come his junior year, one accomplishment from 2022 stands out.  

“I would say winning the conference. Even though we tied it we still have a piece of that conference championship and a little legacy,” Simmons said.