Ever since he walked off the field after suffering a close 28-21 loss in the South Jersey Group 5 semifinal round to top-seeded Cherokee last November, David Oravetz has had one goal in his mind: not only to make it back to that game, but this time win it — and inch further toward bringing home a South Jersey championship for Kingsway Regional High.
“David Oravetz is a great leader, a great kid,” coach Mark Hendricks said. “He knows how to get in the huddle and command guys and command their attention. David’s taken the step up from being forced into a starting role last year when Tommy Popoff went down, and he’s doing a great job leading our football team and showing a great example of a leader.”
Just a sophomore last season, Oravetz backed up senior star dual-threat quarterback Tommy Popoff, but still got his fair share of playing time. Making the most of his opportunities, he passed for more than 700 yards and eight touchdowns. He played a key role in the Dragons’ crucial Week 7 victory over longtime rival Clearview, an outing in which he completed 13-of-19 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-16 win.
Popoff has all the faith in Oravetz and his ability to lead the Dragons to new heights: “The kid is a very hard worker,” he said. “He just really loves the game and you can tell. He really gets into the mental side of the game as well, more than anybody else I played with, and more than I did. He knows exactly why he does what he does 95 percent of the time. I think he is going to have a very successful year with his determination and love for the game.”
Oravetz is a three-sport athlete, also playing basketball and volleyball.
Get to know Oravetz as correspondent Brian Tortella asked him some questions ahead of the rapidly approaching South Jersey high school football season:
Tortella: Did you always play quarterback growing up?
Oravetz: Yes, I began to play quarterback in flag football when I was 6 years old and tackle football since I was 10 years old. It is without a doubt my favorite position to play and I thoroughly enjoy the challenge of playing quarterback.
Tortella: Who is someone you’ve looked up to throughout your athletic journey?
Oravetz: Tim Tebow is definitely a quarterback that I have looked up to for a long time. His grit and the way he attacked all the challenges he faced are spectacular. Also, his faith and success in football is something I strive to replicate in my life. The hard-nosed style of football that he played is something I admire.
Tortella: What do you like most about playing football compared to other sports?
Oravetz: I think the brotherhood that comes with the sport of football is unlike any other. Every 7 a.m. workout, every scorching hot conditioning day builds a different type of connection with my teammates. The bonds are unbreakable, and we have each other’s backs each and every day we step out onto the field.
Tortella: You played behind Tommy Popoff last season. How did that help you develop at the position? Brett Farve — Aaron Rodgers?
Oravetz: Tom is a great player and most certainly played a role in my development. Watching his footwork and observing his decision-making in every practice definitely helped me to better understand my position and our offensive system.
Tortella: What are your expectations for the upcoming season, and what have you been doing in preparation?
Oravetz: I am sure my whole team will agree with me when I say this, we don’t want to settle this year. We are a relatively consistent playoff team but we are eager to go back to that sectional championship game and compete for a spot in states. We have heavily worked in the offseason in the weight room and on the field to make sure that everybody is on the same page.
Tortella: You guys have a tough schedule this year that features several playoff teams from last year. How do you get mentally ready for that and what’s your message to your teammates?
Oravetz: I believe that the preparation will speak for itself this season. All the hard work and dedication our players have given to the program will mentally prepare us for every opponent. Ultimate belief in ourselves and each other will be the key to success this season. All we have to do as teammates is trust each other. Believe that each and every guy next to you is going to step on the field and make a play.
Tortella: What do you like most about Coach Hendricks?
Oravetz: The best thing about coach Hendricks is that not only does he teach us how to play football, but he teaches us how to be men. He instills values of hard work and giving back to the community to assist us in life far past our football careers. He is a phenomenal football coach and always pushes us to be better players and better men.
Tortella: Are there any hobbies you have away from sports during your free time?
Oravetz: I am very invested in business and finance and delving deeper into the market is a pastime of mine. I also enjoy reading biographies about players like Tim Tebow and many other books as well. Lastly, I enjoy spending lots of time with my siblings who are all athletes as well.
Tortella: What’s your favorite hype song?
Oravetz: I’m a big fan of “Blue Notes” by Meek Mill, it always gets me focused when I’m getting ready for a game.
Tortella: What do you believe is the greatest challenge most high school athletes are facing today?
Oravetz: Pressure from external sources that may lead them away from their goals. In life, there are many things that drag you away from your ambitions, and staying focused can get difficult sometimes. The important thing is surrounding yourself with the right people, putting your head down and working hard every day.
Tortella: In your mind, who’s the greatest football player of all time?
Oravetz: Tom Brady. His entire life, he was the underdog at every level of competition. When he was given an opportunity, he never looked back and made the most of it. He treats every rep like he’s playing in the Super Bowl and I admire that trait in him.
Tortella: You have two years left as a three-sport athlete in one of the best athletic high schools in the region. Do you have plans to continue playing a sport at the next level?
Oravetz: I am incredibly grateful to be able to play Kingsway sports and have only the best things to say about Kingsway Athletics. I’m not exactly sure what the future holds, but I know that I am going to do everything in my power to have the opportunity to play the highest level of college football. I have visited some different colleges and attended a number of camps and I am excited to see what the future does hold.
Contact Brian Tortella: btortreportssj@gmail.com
