Sports Spotlight - West Orange Times & Observer: Elijah Stimmell

West Orange senior quarterback Elijah Stimmell recently played his last home game of his high-school career, and he and his team just faced No. 1 Wekiva (10-1) — who the Warriors handed a loss to earlier in the season — on Friday, Nov. 9. Stimmell transferred from Foundation Academy at the end of his sophomore year and became starting quarterback at West Orange during the back half of his junior season. 

Tell me how you got started playing football.

My first season I was about 5 years old, playing tackle football. Ever since I started playing I loved it.

What do you love so much about football?

I love the competition, I love the teamwork that it takes to win the game and how it’s not just one individual — it’s everyone working together toward a common goal.

After your injury during the game against Wekiva, what’s it been like coming back from that?

It’s been a lot of rehab and making sure I’m back at 100% and then just building confidence from that point on.

How did it feel playing your last home game of your high-school career?

It was a great feeling, something you dream about. It seems so long and so far away, and when it happens it’s a special time. It’s a special game and you want to give everything you’ve got.

What have you learned from being on the team during your time here?

I think that I have a lot to learn and a lot of growth that needs to happen, and I believe I’m at the place that will help me (do that) the most.

What game this season has been the most memorable for you?

I definitely think the Wekiva game that I got hurt in is the most memorable, because when I went down and they told me I couldn’t go back in, my focus was to help the backup quarterback, Julian Calvez — great kid — and just kind of being in his back pocket and being his cheerleader, cheering him on during the whole game and cheering on the rest of my teammates. We were blessed to come out with the victory, it was an amazing moment.

Which of your teammates would you say is the funniest?

Giuliano Baber is definitely the funniest. He can make anything into a joke, you can almost never take him seriously. Whether it be a team meal in the locker rooms or just kind of warming up on the field, it’s always funny. You’re holding back tears at times.

Describe the team dynamic this season.

It’s a type of team that I’ve never been a part of (before). We bond really well on the field and work together, and just kind of the chemistry we have with each other and everything always flows.