Athlete Profile: Carson Popp

The Shawano Community High School football team endured a tough start to the season, losing to Denmark in week one and also losing two players to injury. Behind the effort of players like senior quarterback Carson Popp, the Hawks were able to bounce back.

Popp led Shawano to a 40-14 victory over Marinette in week two. He completed 14 of his 19 passes for 373 yards and four touchdowns.

Popp then helped the Hawks to a 26-14 win over New London in week three. That night, the senior completed 20 of 31 passes for 273 yards and two more touchdowns.

Q: When did your interest in football begin?

A: My interest in football began when I first started playing in fourth grade. My love and passion for the game has continued to grow as I got into high school and met coach (Al) Tomow.

Q: What is your favorite part about the football season?

A: My favorite part about the football season is playing on Friday nights with the team. Nothing is better than suiting up with your friends to go play a cross-town rival underneath the lights.

Q: It was a tough start to the year for your team but you guys have bounced back strong the last few weeks. How did you pull that off?

A: Our team really bounced back after we realized that we needed to step it up at practice. We lost two of our biggest players in the first week, and we treated it as an opportunity for other players to get their chance in the spotlight and prove their role. Our team has really done a great job of preparing for what we see on Friday nights in the past two weeks (weeks two and three), and I think that has played a great role in our success.

Q: You’ve had a couple really big passing games already this season. What’s helped you produce those big games?

A: Our offensive line has given me plenty of time to do what I need to do to produce those types of games. When you have guys like Ashton Henning and Jacob Landon receiving those passes it makes my job a lot easier. Coach Tomow and I have really gotten comfortable this year with each other and we’re both confident that we can do anything that we want with the personnel that we have.

Q: As the quarterback of the team, how do you try and lead the team?

A: I try to lead the team by taking charge at practice and in the huddle. Making sure our guys are in the weight room and paying attention at practice goes a long ways in leading a team to winning games.

Q: Do you have any individual goals you hope to accomplish this season?

A: I hope to come out every week and perform at a high level. As long as we’re winning games, that is all that matters to me. At the end of the day it is the team, not an individual that wins the games.

Q: Do you have any rituals you go through before a game starts?

A: Before the game we always eat as a team. After that we go in the locker room and listen to some music from Aidyn Poquette’s playlist. That always gets us in the right mindset for the game.

Q: What’s your favorite memory of competing on the Shawano football team?

A: My favorite memory of competing on the Shawano football team was playing in the playoffs last year. With a different season in COVID, it felt good to end the season on a win and know that we got to do something special last year.

Q: Favorite movie, TV show and musical artist?

A: Movie – “The Hangover.” TV show — “Hard Knocks.” Musical artist – Morgan Wallen.

Q: Name one thing about yourself that not many people know.

A: I love to spend time outdoors hunting or fishing

Q: What’s the greatest piece of advice you have ever been told?

A: “You don’t rise to the occasion, you sink to your training” — Coach Tomow

Q: What are some things you hope to accomplish after graduating high school?

A: I hope to enjoy my senior year with my friends, win a ton of football games, and hopefully transition into a great year of baseball.

AT A GLANCE

Athlete: Carson Popp

Sport: Football

Positions: Quarterback

School: Shawano Community High School

Year: Senior