Lead photo art contributed by Ryan Alqorum

Ryan Alqorum is a rarity in Texas. He never saw a high school 11-on-11 tackle football game until he was a sophomore. He never played tackle football until he was a junior.

But after making 54 tackles last season – including 20 for losses and 11 sacks – in his first season of organized tackle football as a junior at Bangs, Alqorum is proving to be quick study.

“I’ve learned a lot about football from scratch, but I know I’ve still got a lot more to learn,” Alqorum said as he prepares for his senior season at Bangs. “I really like football. It’s an amazing game.”