Tohopekaliga quarterback Sabby Meassick making waves as a freshman on varsity

The Tigers’ signal caller has thrown 24 touchdowns and only one interception this season through four games.

KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA- It’s not everyday that a freshman steps into the varsity scene of high school football and has the kind of success Tohopekaliga quarterback Sabby Meassick has had.

Heck, there’s not many upperclassmen signal callers throughout the country that have the kind of start that Meassick has had. It’s been video game-type numbers through four games.

Meassick’s stat line: 119-of-155 passing, 1,431 yards, 24 touchdowns, 1 interception.

Just a freshman, Meassick is putting up video game type numbers this fall.  / Photo courtesy of Sabby Meassick Twitter

You read that right. Meassick points to his love and dedication to football in preparing for this moment playing varsity as a freshman.

“I love football and have prepared for this opportunity my entire life,” Meassick said. “My support system, family, and personal coach have exposed me to understanding what it really takes and preparing me for the sacrifice and commitment. I know the opportunity I have with my coaches, teammates and school. My plan is create change and a culture that will leave a lasting impact on many people for years to come.”

The continuity created between Meassick and his wide receivers was built during the summer as an incoming freshman. Learning the playbook, getting timings down and putting the intricate details in regards to playing on the varsity level.

Tohopekaliga’s wide receiving corps has been one of the best groups in the central Florida region, with four receivers having 246 yards or more. Nichalas Rawls II leads the way with 436 yards receiving for the Tigers.

“My teammates and I spent quite a bit of time this summer working out, understanding the playbook and our coaches have done a great job coaching us up on the details and pushing us to get better,” Meassick said.

Meassick’s goal from the outset was to come onto the scene and just compete. The freshman quarterback has done that and then some. The Tigers’ starter in his regular season debut completed 20-of-26 passes for 245 yards and threw five touchdowns in a 49-0 rout against Liberty.

He hasn’t let up from those numbers one iota. Meassick since then has thrown for no less than 351 yards and his latest masterpiece come against Space Coast. Versus the Vipers, the freshman threw for 433 yards and six touchdowns.

“Being a freshman with a new program, new coaching staff that has lots of experience,” Meassick said. “My goal is just to come in compete, put in the time studying and working that will showcase my teammates and create a culture of excellence for our school. The rest takes care of itself.”

The scary part about the video type numbers that were aforementioned is Meassick believes the offense can be much better. Meassick will have his opportunities down the stretch to continue to pile upon his already eye popping numbers.

Tohopekaliga (4-0) has games remaining against Wesley Chapel, Harmony, Kissimmee Osceola and Haines City. Despite the competition looking like it will be stiffer in the second half of the schedule, Meassick and the Tigers seem prepared for the challenge.

Tohopekaliga will enter Friday’s game versus Wesley Chapel at 4-0.  / Photo courtesy of Sabby Meassick Twitter

“Offensively we have so much opportunity to improve and get better,” Meassick said. “We will go faster and become more consistent with our execution by controlling what we can control. My receivers and I have worked really hard to be in sync, create the chemistry needed to execute as a unit consistently and we have more room to grow if we get better. I am grateful for everyone in our program.“ 

Andy Villamarzo can be reached at andyvillamarzo@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @Andy_Villamarzo.