Taking new ground: Mount Si football, QB JoJo Hillel, ready for new league

One year ago, junior safety Jojo Hillel had the best seat in the house to learn the art of quarterbacking. Now, the transition is natural, and the tall, 180-pound senior will be at the center of action under Mount Si’s Friday night lights.

September 11, 2014 2:15 pm

One year ago, junior safety Jojo Hillel had the best seat in the house to learn the art of quarterbacking.

Now, the transition is natural, and the tall, 180-pound senior will be at the center of action under Mount Si’s Friday night lights.

“I have a little athleticism, so I might as well use it,” Hillel says.

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Hillel grew up playing football. For those who have watched him play, the years have gone fast. Safety for Nick Mitchell and holder for kicker Sean Lowney in 2013, he was the second-string quarterback in last fall’s team effort, which got to the playoffs.

“I went from playing Junior Wildcats to now,” he said. With senior year and his new role upon him, “I’m anxious. I’m looking forward to it. It’ll be a great year.” This fall, he’ll be throwing to Parker Dumas, Colton Swain, Caleb Mitchell and Sean Hyland.

Up in front, protecting him, is Montana-signed tackle (and one of Hillel’s best friends) Chris Schlicting at left tackle, Ryan McVay, likely centers Andrew Thompson and LaFonte Beverly, Cam Davis and Ryan Findley.

“It’s good size,” says Hillel. “Everyone knows the plays.” His goal? “Go as far as we can… Now, we’re playing in a different league. Pop Keeney (stadium in Bothell) will be awesome.” At the 4A level, the Wildcats will not face perennial juggernaut Bellevue, but “now we’ve got Bothell, Skyline. Every game is going to be a dogfight. No more blowouts.”

In their first game of the season, Sept. 5, Mount Si shut out visiting Woodinville, 21-0. Kicker Jake Ethington put in two field goal in the first half to make things 6-0. In the second half of the game, Hillel fired two touchdown passes to Reid Lutz and Cory Cotto; Colton Swain added a two-point conversion, and Ethington added an extra point.

Mount Si travels to Redmond this Friday, Sept. 8. Game time is 7 p.m.

Follow the Wildcats at www.mtsihsfootball.com.

Mount Si football schedule

Friday, Sept. 12

• Mount Si at Redmond, 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 19

• Mount Si hosts Skyline, 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 26

• Mount Si at Bothell, 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 3

• Mount Si hosts Inglemoor, 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 10