Shadow Mountain star looks for playoff bid

Phoenix Shadow Mountain is midway through the season, and sports a 2-3 record.

Its offensive game, particularly its rushing game, is largely anchored by senior running back Giancarlo Dale. Dale has rushed for an average of 178 yards per game in Shadow Mountain's first five games. He took time to answer some questions.

Where do you see your team going in the second half of this season? "I think we're going to do a lot better than we did in the first half of the season because we had a lot of mistakes. . . . We beat ourselves in games and we've got to make that better so that we can win games and actually make the playoffs."

What goals have you developed so far at this point in the season? "Well, my first goal right now is just to make the playoffs with my team. And then for my own personal goals, I'd like to get at least 1,500 rushing yards and that's about it."

Your coach said that you're a pretty quiet leader. Do you agree with that? "I'm the person that doesn't think that you need to talk to your team just to have them do good. I show by example, like on the field."

Do you plan on playing football after high school? "I see myself playing in college. I'm going to worry about that after the season. Right now I'm just going to worry about my team's goals."

How has your experience this year been so far? "It's been great. I've just been hanging out with my buddies, just be able to have fun. This is my last year with them so I'm just trying to make the best of it."

How did you first become interested in playing football? "My grandpa took me to a Cardinals' game when I was like 5 years old, and ever since then I've loved it, so I started playing it ever since."

Is there anyone who you're driven by? "My brothers. I want to lead them, show them that I can do the best that I can. I want them to follow in my footsteps in the best way possible, so I lead by example."

What other activities outside of football do you enjoy? "I like to hang out with my buddies, I like to do community service. I like to coach my little brothers' baseball teams.

Coach Josh Sekoch on Giancarlo Dale: "He's doing everything offensively right now, except for throw the ball. He's fresh, he can carry the ball, he's in great shape. We talk about the being able to throw the football a little bit more, however we've been successful running the football with him so he understands. He's one of the best team players we have; whether he gets ten yards or whether he gets 200 yards it doesn't matter as long as we win."

Giancarlo Dale has rushed for an average of 178 yards per game in Shadow Mountain's first five games.