Speedy Sophomore Gets Defensive

by Reed Barthold
Many DHS students are capable of juggling two or more sports throughout the season, but few have the talent to play for multiple Varsity teams. John Reed, a sophomore at Darien High School, plays and gets many plays in for the Darien Football and Lacrosse teams. Reed is one of the football team’s defensive safeties and gets plays in at kick returner when needed, a position Peter Gesualdi and Corey Eppley have taken with storm. This football season Reed has certainly been turning heads while stuffing wide outs at the line, preventing any opposing offensive completions, and making interceptions with ease.
Reed believes he improves most throughout the off-season when he can focus on his individual needs and have time before the big season. “I do a lot of speed and agility camps over the summer to help improve my game for both football and lacrosse” Reed said. “It’s tough. Once football is over I jump right into training for [the] lacrosse season, and vice versa,” Reed said.
Reed is perfectly fit for his position as his height and speed help him keep up against some of the best wide receivers in the state. “I don’t start, but it’s still cool getting the chance to get some plays in each game,” Reed stated. The speedy sophomore hopes to continually improve throughout the season and he hopes to get a starting slot next year on the Blue Wave Varsity Football team.
The Darien Blue Wave faces off against Saint Joseph tomorrow (10/1) at 2PM in Trumbull. Be sure to attend one of the Blue Wave’s upcoming games to catch a glimpse of Reed and the rest of the team fight for a spot in the FCIAC post-season and maybe a shot at the FCIAC title.