With a top-ranked football team this year, Jace Clarizio (12) has been named the October Portrait athlete of the month. Clarizio is a three-star recruit and a 2025 Michigan State University football commit. After losing to three teams who are each in the conversation for the state title in their respective division, the team has won the past five games. Now, their top priority is to build off their recent success.
“I just want to keep it going, keep winning and make it to the State championship game,” Clarizio said.
The team won the first game of Districts against Milford on Nov. 1. The win was crucial because a loss means their season is over. Now, Clarizio only sees one way to extend their season.
“I just want to work as hard as I can every day,” Clarizio said.
Clarizo is excited to continue his football career in college but also has other goals for this year. Before heading to MSU next year, he would like to not only reach as far as possible in the playoffs but also win Mr. Football. Mr. Football is an award presented to a standout senior in high school football in Michigan.
“Yeah, becoming Mr. Football—it’s a goal I’ve always had, and a lot of people said I couldn’t do it,” Clarizio said. “So I just want to prove people wrong.”
While he does have goals for the team and himself, he also wants to cherish the remainder of his high school career that could end any Friday.
“I don’t want to look back and regret anything,” Clarizio said.
