By Joanna Chadwick
Speed causes so many problems for opponents, a fact that Andover Central coach Derek Tuttle knows well.
So when you have a player with Bubba Hall’s speed and quickness, you utilize it.
“Bubba is a very good track sprinter, runs the short sprints and relays, so he might pursue that in college,” Tuttle said. “His speed helps out the team in all phases of the game as you can imagine – from kickoff coverage to defensive line to running back. Versatile young man.”
But when Hall talks about himself, speed isn’t the topic.
First, it’s energy.
“(My focus) is keeping the energy up from the get-go,” Hall said. “Mistakes in a series or a big play, the energy should be the same.”
After opening the season with a loss and then winning three straight games, he knew what was needed, too.
“The opener showed our weaknesses and blew them out,” he said. “Now we know what it means to have a target on your back, and we have to bring 110% to every game.”
His next focus? His strengths.
“My strengths are my ability to adapt and be a little versatile,” he said. “What makes me a good player is typically keeping a level head – never too excited or too down. Also, my reliability between different positions. They can count on me to do what I can in whatever pickle.”
And finally, where he needs to improve.
“I have gotten better at trusting the coaches and players in whatever position they are,” Hall said. “I need to make sure I improve in areas I find myself weak and do my part in keeping everyone’s energy up in any situation.”
