The clock is ticking. There are a few seconds to spare. The dark sky outlines the numbers on the scoreboard. The speakers are blaring, the stadium lights are blinding and you can’t hear your breath over the screams and cheers of the bleachers. Your team is at your side, huddled close; even through their thick helmets, you can feel their eyes piercing at you. You have the ball, and as a starting quarterback, the responsibility to defend. You can’t let them down. Up ahead is a mammoth of a person running, running straight at you. 

Your breath slows, and you close your eyes. All the noise ebbs away for a split second. Even if this final play is all on you, you’re driven to do your best. Fueled by the high spirits of your team, your friends next to you, you’re ready. You know what to do. 

As captain and starting quarterback of the Oak Park High School football team, senior Grayson Auzat knows exactly what to do. With 303 passing yards, three passing yards, 106 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown, four touchdown passes, 30 completed passes, 48 attempts and two interceptions, Auzat knows from experience that having an internal locus of control is critical for success.

“I think of just staying calm and collected during the game,” Auzat said. “Analyzing the defense is very important, and executing plays. I’m thinking about no mistakes, just me and the ball.”

Auzat’s fascination with the sport began at an early age, leading him to start flag football at seven-years-old and then transition to tackle in fourth, sixth and eighth grade.

“I grew up with football,” Auzat said. “My brother played, I think that inspired me as well. And I just love the competition.”

To the people who don’t understand football, Auzat can break it down simply for you, the sport is: “Fun. Explosive. Entertaining.”

At school, Auzat has a kind and calm personality. But on the field, Auzat is nothing but fierce. 

In the two years Auzat has been at OPHS, transferring from Notre Dame High School his junior year, he has managed to climb the ladder and become one of four football captains. 

Auzat appreciates the teams’ traditions, especially team dinners every Thursday night and the eagle jacks, aka jumping jacks, that everyone does together at the beginning of each practice.

As a captain, Auzat needs to be a good role model “on and off the field,” Auzat said. His personal goal for this season is to have a good time, “have a positive record and not let his teammates down.”

With a smaller team this year, Auzat is focusing more on building strong connections and enjoying his last year of high school football.

“Being close with teammates is really important,” Auzat said. “Team bonding and playing with my friends is like the best part.”

Most senior summers are consumed with college applications and summer programs, and Auzat’s was just that, except with the added weightlifting, gassers, sprints, pushing-the-sled and bear crawler exercises during the team’s summer conditioning.

When asked which summer conditioning activity was his favorite, with raised eyebrows and slightly concerned eyes, Auzat said: “Favorite? I wouldn’t say favorite, but I mean, sprints are always fun. I mean, it’s not fun, but it’s good to see the team competing.”

Gallery • 6 Photos

Photo by Jackson Thayer/OPHS Flicks

Grayson Auzat, No. 5, at Kanan Bowl.

With the team by his side and living by his motto, “work hard, play hard,” Auzat can’t help but be inspired by them.

“Definitely my team, they inspire me and motivate me to practice,” Auzat said. “Also, the idea of just winning is a pretty big motivator to me. I’m a big competitor and I enjoy this sport. I love this sport.”

The reason for the two to three hour long practices is because of the team’s goal to defeat their biggest rival: Agoura. Their opportunity to do so came on Friday, Aug. 22, at the Kanan Bowl. Yet Agoura held their own, beating Oak Park 45-28.

Before the game on Friday, Auzat said, “It’s probably going to be the biggest Kanan Bowl in a few years. Pretty exciting.” Auzat was right. The bleachers were packed with Eagles and Chargers.

Before, during and after a game, Auzat searches the bleachers with only three faces in mind. 

“I definitely look out for my parents and my brother if they show up. Family is really important to me, so I love to see them at the games.”