Senior captain J.C. Cora Jr. is a Blue Devil at heart, even if he isn’t from the 01453.
“I actually have lived in Fitchburg all my life, but grew up in Leominster, and did everything in Leominster,” J.C. said.
J.C. started playing football in the first grade after being introduced to the sport by family with a particular influence from his uncles.
He has loved playing football ever since, due in large part to the lessons learned.
“First and foremost, it teaches you to pick yourself up every time you fall down, not only on the field but in life, because in no other sport you’re getting knocked down almost every play and you have no choice but to get right back up,” J.C. said. “And that goes for life in general as well.”
“Secondly, it takes an entire team effort to win the game, not just one person can do everything, and that goes a long way in life,” J.C. added.
J.C. said the culture surrounding the Blue Devil football team is a special one.
“There’s nothing like playing for the Leominster Blue Devils, nothing like running out of that tunnel at Doyle field under the lights, and just seeing all the fans and stuff like that,” J.C. said. “Just an amazing feeling that’s unexplainable.”
J.C. said he has also learned a lot from his head coach, Devin Gates.
“Something I’ve learned from my coach this season, and in that past, is that you have to keep moving forward,” J.C. said. “There’s no time to dwell on what has already happened, because it’s already done and over with. There’s nothing you can do to change that outcome of whatever it was.”
Gates said J.C. has been a leader for the Blue Devil football team long before he was officially named a captain.
“He was thrust into the QB role unexpectedly his sophomore year after having a great debut as a freshman on defense the previous year,” Gates said. “It's not a position that he grew up playing but that is the type of kid J.C. is. He will do whatever he needs to do to help the team.”
“He is a competitor in every sense,” Gates added. “He leads with his heart, he's genuine, and the players and coaches respect that a lot. He has had a breakout year thus far and still has his best football ahead of him. He is also a great leader in the classroom. He has been accepted at Bryant and Assumption to date, and is exploring all opportunities to get a great education while hopefully being able to play some football as well.”
While J.C. is still mulling over his post-high plans, at LHS, he said his favorite class was health with Mr. Palazzi back during his freshman year.
Outside of school, J.C. likes to spend time with his family, watch sports, and play video games.
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