Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent

Growing up, Layton Steigelman quickly discovered his passion for football, and he knew he had to be part of it.

“I’ve been playing football since I was seven,” said Steigelman. “I had watched football on TV growing up and couldn’t wait to start as soon as I could. I joined a rec league as soon as possible.”

He soon began to make his mark on the field.

“One memorable moment growing up playing was in middle school,” said Steigelman. “I got a pick six to put us ahead in the semi-final game and that changed the momentum of that game.”

Now, Steigelman is ready to close his final high school chapter. He will be the Wildcats upback on offense and again will be their middle linebacker on defense. Last season, Steigelman recorded 72 tackles, a sack, two fumble recoveries, and he was a Class 6A Region 1 Honorable Mention choice at linebacker.

Head coach Matt LeZotte is confident Steigelman can be a consistent leader and also have a banner year.

“As Layton Steigelman enters his senior season, he has emerged as the unquestioned leader of our defense,” said LeZotte. “His growth throughout the offseason has been evident, not only in the weight room and on the field, but in the way he leads by example every day.

“Layton has embraced the responsibility of setting the standard with his work ethic, accountability, and relentless effort. As a proven playmaker at middle linebacker, he's become the heartbeat of our defense, and his commitment to improving every aspect of his game has positioned him for a special senior year.”

Steigelman has enjoyed his linebacker role.

“I like defense more,” said Steigelman. “I’ve been the starting middle linebacker since last year but I’ve played linebacker for all my life.”

Steigelman also has relished his play on the other side of the ball, and he also has strived to be well aware of every spot on the field.

“It’s definitely easier playing for a veteran line as well as it gets us better as a defense,” stressed Steigelman. “They understand the stakes and know what game time feels like and that translates to practice.

“I’ve been working on communication and knowing every role and every position on the field as well as playing faster.”

In addition to football, Steigelman is a member of the Wildcats’ lacrosse and wrestling teams. He also is a member of the school’s National Honor Society, Health Occupations Students of America, National Technical Honor Society, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Steigelman, who has already received a number of college offers, plans to pursue an engineering degree next season.

In the meantime, Steigelman sees his team on a mission this season. The Wildcats finished 6-5 last season, and they will open the season against Effingham County Aug. 21. The Wildcats are ranked 209 from a field of 300 by the Preseason High School Football America 300.

Yet, Steigelman feels confident that his team can live up to their expectations.

“I don’t feel any added pressure because everyone believes we are a top 300 or better,” said Steigelman. “It just feels like we are getting the recognition we deserve.

“I definitely think this team is more hungry than last year as we had a taste of the success we could have and we want more.”