Junior receiver, only returning offensive starter, also plays defense
Episcopal School of Dallas junior Curtis Mathes knew he needed to prepare himself physically and psychologically for a daunting workload.
The Eagles experienced significant turnover on their football roster, leaving Mathes as the only returning offensive starter. Not only would he need to become the focal point of the passing attack, but his athletic ability would also be required as a starting safety, and on special teams.
Mathes also was aware his varsity experience necessitated stepping into a leadership role as ESD aimed to bounce back from a disappointing 2-8 campaign a year ago.
“I’ve always been a leader in my head, on the field and off,” Mathes said. “To be able to take on this role has been easy, but it’s also hard to set a standard that’s so high. People have to look up to me.”
Already one of the fastest players on the team in terms of straight-line speed, Mathes spent the offseason working on his agility and improving his strength, figuring that his opportunities for rest would be minimal.
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“The biggest thing is the mental endurance and conditioning to play both sides,” he said. “It’s really exhausting. After the games my body is hurting. It’s not an easy thing to do. Fortunately, on offense and defense we have really good backups.”
One thing that hasn’t required an adjustment is his chemistry with quarterback Miles Link, a fellow junior who stepped in as the starter this year after leading the unbeaten junior-varsity squad last season. The two have been close friends since first grade.
“His football IQ is among the highest on the team. You see it on both sides of the ball. In all three phases, he’s contributing,” ESD head coach Richard Williams said of Mathes. “The future is extremely bright for him. People are just getting an idea of what he’s capable of.”
If the name sounds familiar, Mathes is the great-grandson of the man who founded the eponymous North Texas appliance retailer, known in its heyday for its solid-state television technology.
After a promising start, Mathes hopes the Eagles can put on a show this season and return to contender status in the challenging SPC.
“We lost a lot of people. Everyone has the responsibility to step up and make more plays,” Mathes said. “We want to turn this thing around and set a new standard.”
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