Boys Athlete of the Week
By MICHAEL LEWIS
Staff Writer
Marcus Arline
MAINLAND FOOTBALL
Credentials: Marcus Arline, a senior linebacker, had an outstanding game in Friday night's 37-14 win over previously-unbeaten Ocala Trinity Catholic. He made 12 tackles, including two tackles for loss, and blocked two punts for the 7-0 Bucs.
So you said to me Friday night that was the best game you've played all year. What got into you?
I was really excited, and I'd been looking forward to that game for a long time. We knew like Erick Scott said that it'd be a playoff-type atmosphere, and I really wanted to play well.
What does it feel like to be in "the zone" like you were Friday night? I felt like I could make every tackle, though really I always feel like that. I just had a feeling I was going to have a good game, and the whole team was going to play great.
Did you talk trash to the punter for Ocala after you blocked either of the two punts?
Nah, I couldn't do that; I'm a captain, I can't be doing that. I couldn't believe I blocked two of 'em; we saw (on film) that we might be able to get through their line, coach Bud (Asher) said if I faked one way and went through the gap, I might be able to get there.
What do you think is the biggest reason the defense has played so great this season?
I think we worked so hard over the summer, and every guy knows he has to be there on every play. Nobody's relaxing, everybody's playing hard all the time. I'm a little surprised we're this good; I thought we'd be pretty good.
If I lined up all the Mainland players for a 100-yard dash, who wins? Chevin Davis?
I'd say it'd be a tie between Chevin and O.J. Ross. And maybe Terrell Johnson, too. We've tried it all summer, trying to see who was the fastest, but it's always real close, pads or no pads.
Tell me when you first knew as a little kid that you were pretty good at football?
I started playing in the fifth grade, in Pop Warner, but my grades weren't real good so my Mom didn't let me finish the season. I guess I knew I was tough enough in 8th grade, when I got bit by a big dog. I was talking to this girl down the street, and her father came out with their pit bull, and he just came at me, and bit me right across the stomach. But I played the game that week anyway.
Ouch. I'm guessing you didn't go over there anymore?
Yeah, I stayed away from them for a while.
Who's the smartest player on the Mainland team, do you think?
Mike Nweze. Everybody calls him a whiz because he's a whiz at football and a whiz in the classroom. He helps people with their homework.
Where would you most like to go away on a vacation for a week?
I'd say the Bahamas. It always looks so peaceful on TV, like a real nice place to chill out.
Sounds good. What are you most scared of in the world?
I'd say God, and snakes. I was near a garden snake once; man, those things creep me out.
Who's your favorite teacher you've ever had and why?
I'd say Coach Scott Wilson, who was my English teacher in 9th and 10th grade. He had a real good way of talking to you and getting you interested in reading.
Finally, Marcus, what's the best book you've read lately?
I really like this book we're reading in class now, called "Toxin" (by Robin Cook). It's about this girl who eats some bad meat, and real bad things happen to her. It makes me think twice before having a hamburger now.
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