Chazz Slatinsky, number 28, is looking to lead the Forney High School Jackrabbits to the playoffs. Photo credit: James Townsend, Townsend Photography and Film.
FORNEY, Texas – Friday nights are quickly approaching for the Forney High School Jackrabbits with practices beginning earlier this week. So who will lead the Jackrabbits out of the tunnel for opening night against Wills Point on August 29, 2014?
There seems to be common ground among players about who that leader will be – safety Chazz Slatinsky who will be entering his third season on varsity.
Wide receiver Jacob Gonzalez said "[Slatinsky] is the main leader of the team with everything he's been through in life and how he keeps a positive attitude on life. It reflects how strong of a person and a leader he is."
Slatinsky spends countless hours in the weight room and all day thinking about football. “It's really an honor to me. I love to help others and help myself get better," said Slatinksy.
His motivation is simple. “If you play for something, you will get better,” he said.
Slatinsky dedicates his time on and off the field to his best friend – Matthew Ross Defilippo who died in a tragic accident on June 2, 2012. Slatinsky added, "When I mess up, miss a tackle, or miss an opportunity, I always remember Matthew always had a smile and I can't let anything get me down.”
Slatinsky's goal this season is to be the best at his position and complete 200 tackles. Last season, Slatinsky completed 106 tackles and averaged 14.8 a game.
With the new UIL re-districting classifications, the Forney High School Jackrabbits are in the Class 5A division, formerly known as Class 4A. Senior strong safety Noah Hines said he and the team are looking forward to “winning their first 5A state playoff game."
Hines feels very confident about this upcoming season. “We have had a tough, tough offseason,” said Hines. “We want to go to state, make history!”
Winning a playoff game and traveling to the state competition is very bold from the team known as the underdogs and the “team with nothing but history.” Slatinsky said “I'm going to do whatever it takes to get this team to playoffs. We have the talent and we have a brotherhood.”
Although Slatinsky has yet to be contacted by college coaches to continue his football career beyond high school, Slatinsky has dedicated his season to Defilippo and looks forward to continue playing for his best friend.
“I can not wait for this season to start,” said Slatinsky.
Wide receiver Jacob Gonzalez said "[Slatinsky] is the main leader of the team with everything he's been through in life and how he keeps a positive attitude on life. It reflects how strong of a person and a leader he is."
Slatinsky spends countless hours in the weight room and all day thinking about football. “It's really an honor to me. I love to help others and help myself get better," said Slatinksy.
His motivation is simple. “If you play for something, you will get better,” he said.
Slatinsky dedicates his time on and off the field to his best friend – Matthew Ross Defilippo who died in a tragic accident on June 2, 2012. Slatinsky added, "When I mess up, miss a tackle, or miss an opportunity, I always remember Matthew always had a smile and I can't let anything get me down.”
Slatinsky's goal this season is to be the best at his position and complete 200 tackles. Last season, Slatinsky completed 106 tackles and averaged 14.8 a game.
With the new UIL re-districting classifications, the Forney High School Jackrabbits are in the Class 5A division, formerly known as Class 4A. Senior strong safety Noah Hines said he and the team are looking forward to “winning their first 5A state playoff game."
Hines feels very confident about this upcoming season. “We have had a tough, tough offseason,” said Hines. “We want to go to state, make history!”
Winning a playoff game and traveling to the state competition is very bold from the team known as the underdogs and the “team with nothing but history.” Slatinsky said “I'm going to do whatever it takes to get this team to playoffs. We have the talent and we have a brotherhood.”
Although Slatinsky has yet to be contacted by college coaches to continue his football career beyond high school, Slatinsky has dedicated his season to Defilippo and looks forward to continue playing for his best friend.
“I can not wait for this season to start,” said Slatinsky.
