Athlete of the Week: Gavin Pritzkau, Central Florida Christian Academy football

In his first taste of high school football action, Central Florida Christian Academy quarterback Gavin Pritzkau has been able to established himself as one of the area’s brightest young talents and become a vital part of this Eagles team, throwing for 347 yards on 23-of-42 passing with three touchdowns across the first two games of the season.

Beyond his abilities on the gridiron, the eighth-grade homeschool student also is exceptional in the academic realm — maintaining a 4.5 GPA with a schedule full of honors classes — and is dedicated to serving others through local and international volunteer projects. Most notably, Pritzkau and his family currently sponsor 21 children in Uganda, helping to provide funds for shelter, food and education. 

As part of a mission trip to the African nation early next year, Pritzkau saw an opportunity to double down on the positive impact he could make. He has been working to collect shoe donations for the country’s impoverished population.

THE BASICS

Age: 15

Sport: Football

Grade: Eighth

School: Central Florida Christian Academy

How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?

I’m extremely thankful, and I can’t wait for my teammates to get this opportunity, because as a quarterback, I am nothing without them. Thank you for the recognition.

What do you enjoy the most about football?

It’s a team sport, and teams always become family. We compete, and we push one another to achieve greatness — both on and off the field.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned from football?

Everything you learn on the football field you can apply to life. Most important: You have to trust in God’s timing.

What is your favorite football memory?

Last season, our youth football team started with just seven athletes practicing next to a big cross. We prayed to God about what we should do, and at the last minute, we were able to merge with another small team that needed players. Since the start, that group faced adversity, but we kept praying and putting our trust in God. We ended up going undefeated and winning every game to became the 14U champs. God did that!

Who is your favorite athlete?

I’m not saying Tom Brady just because every kid says his name. I’m choosing Tom Brady because he’s obsessed with greatness in everything he does, and my parents preach the same thing to me all the time.

What is your go-to pre-game meal?

One of our team moms makes a very good lasagna that sits just right!

What is your go-to pre-game hype song?

The “Waymaker” remix with Tyson James, Bryson Gray and Hannah Barr.

What is your favorite non-sports hobby?

Fishing! Fish aren’t always biting, so it teaches me patience.

What is your favorite subject in school?

Math.  

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?

My Bible, a football and water. I don’t think I’d need to bring any food, because I love catching fish, so it would give me something to do.

What is your favorite movie?

The movie “Greater” because it teaches a lot of life lessons.

If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?

God because he knows everything about me!

If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?

I would go back to 1920s. That’s when the NFL started and when the first radio broadcast happened.

Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?

What God has in store for you is way bigger than you can even imagine but this will only happen if you trust the journey he has for you.

If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?

Did I serve others enough to make an impact?

Who is your favorite superhero?

God!

Who is your favorite supervillain?

The Joker. He’s a genius.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Teleportation because I can be anywhere I want at any time.

Does pineapple belong on pizza?

No, sweet and salty don’t belong together.