The Teurlings Catholic Rebels are looking to make another deep run this season after a semi-final appearance last year. The unquestioned leader of this year’s group is none other than senior starting quarterback Preston Welch.
Preston is looking to flourish in his final season under Coach Dane Charpentier. A third-year starter, Welch has improved each season and has garnered some attention from college scouts as well. His coach speaks very highly of the senior, specifically referencing how much more confident the team is this year than when he was originally named the starter as a sophomore. He has a talented group of pass catchers, and the Rebel offense is expected to be a force this season.
In the opener last week, Welch got off to a tremendous start to the season. After a couple of stagnant drives, he took over, beginning with a 70-yard touchdown pass to Travis Gallien. From there, the Rebel offense was dominant and able to pull away in the win. By the end of it, Preston had totaled 274 yards and four touchdowns in a 34-16 win over Opelousas High. He is the subject of today’s Prep Profile Q&A.
(112) PREP PROFILE: Teurlings QB Preston Welch #shorts #highschoolfootball – YouTube
QUESTION: Preston, just coming into this year, you’re a senior, you’ve been there before. What were your goals and expectations coming in?
ANSWER: Definitely first overall a state championship. That’s been my goal since day one. For personal goals, I think I want to touch over 4000 yards, but none of that matters if it’s not a state championship.
Q: So coming in, running an offense that allows you to throw the football as you mentioned some of those yardage numbers. What was your focus on the offense specifically this year?
A: We have got to play better as a team. It’s not that we weren’t doing it but I think to play as one, not just individuals.
Q: Talk about your head coach a little bit Coach Charpentier, and what he provides for you.
A: He’s great. He has an offensive mind. He knows we think a lot, and he and I think a lot alike. We kind of think on the same page. So what he sees, I see and we kind of work together. I think we make a good duo on the field.
Q: And so in your senior year, have you kind of taken on an added leadership role? Do you feel like you always kind of had that playing the quarterback position?
A: I think I always kind of took over the leadership role. But as far as on the field, I think there’s a lot more senior confidence. So I think I really see that on the field when I’m playing.
Q: Who’s a guy that you know you like to watch at the quarterback position that you like to emulate?
A: Probably Caleb Williams from USC. I like how he competes every single play. I mean, it doesn’t matter what he’s doing, he is competing. I love his grit and he’s got the IT factor. I mean, I don’t know if you saw the play, but it was fourth one and he hands it off, the dude is getting driven back. He runs up to him and pulls the ball, strips his own teammate takes it for a first down and he he’s always looking to get to go the next step and he’s always competing. I love that.