(September 19, 2012)– A big fan of pro football, sophomore George Hamalian began playing football just three years ago. Although he tried taekwondo at a younger age, he feels that football is a much better fit for him. Hamalian played for the Hoover High School football team as a freshman and would have continued his sophomore year if he had not broken his leg.

“It really sucks that I’m not able to be there to support my team, but things like this happen, even to star athletes,” he said. While Hamalian normally plays defensive end, the lineman who tackles the quarterback, he also occasionally plays center and hikes the ball to the quarterback.

“I feel pumped up with adrenaline rushing through my veins,”said Hamalian, describing how he feels prior to the start of a game. “I especially love BGD, or as Hoover calls it, Beat Glendale Day.” These games are between Hoover and Glendale High School, and many students from both schools take great interest in them. Hamalian says that he would consider going back to taekwondo when he has more free time, but for now, his main focus is recovering from his injury and continuing to play football as soon as possible.