It’s the fourth-quarter of a blowout loss against Arizona College Prep and Coronado junior linebacker Jason Revels bends over in exhaustion, requiring medical attention.

“Before the game, coach said no one should be playing for themselves as an individual, but they should be playing for the team,” Revels said. “That’s just what I did – I was on offense, defense and kickoff teams, so I just collapsed.”

That’s the kind of young man Revels has become in life. He thinks more of others before himself.

“He has all the qualities you could want in a football player,”  Dons’ coach Jerry Black said. “His leadership has been valuable on both sides of the ball. I’m happy to have him on this team.”

In many ways, Revels is a typical teenager. He’s excited about getting his driver’s license, he loves video games such as “Call of Duty”, and he quarrels with his sister.

“We are most likely to fight over who is doing their laundry first,” Sky Sorenson, Revels’ sister, said. “Or…we argue over the shower. We only have one bathroom in the house.”

A seemingly normal 17-year-old, Revels’ homelife is not exactly traditional. Before he was born, his biological father passed away in a car accident. His biological mother struggled with a drug addiction. As one of six children, he lived with his grandmother and her husband, until she passed away.

At the age of 11, Revels turned to football to help him ease the pain of his grandmother’s death. A natural athlete, Revels excelled at football. Football became an avenue through which Revels channeled his determination to succeed.

“At first, football was just something to do. Something to get me out of the house and make friends,” Revels said with a smile. “Eventually, school and football helped me to forget all the things that were going on in my life.”

The years following his grandmother’s death became tumultuous for Revels. He bounced around from one toxic environment to another. He eventually found his way into the foster care system, living in an Arizona group home. 

All the while, never knowing his aunt, Kim Sorenson, had been searching for him. She could not let Revels become another statistic. The outlook for teens left in the foster care system can be grim.

“I found out from a third-party that he had been put in a group home. I was on the phone with DCS, the police department and the foster licensing agency trying to find out where he was,” Kim said. “So, when we finally figured it out, and I was finally able to talk to him, it broke my heart. I knew then, that I was willing to do whatever it took to get Jason home with us.”

According to Kim, who along with her husband have now adopted Revels, he went through three to five years in the type of situation no child should ever have to go through. Revels lived in constant fear of criticism. He had no praise or positive reinforcement in his life. 

“I think that being a family, I have tried to show him that he can count on us for life,” Kim said. “He didn’t get that kind of support for so long. Now, he is getting it outside of the house, from his coach and his football team, as well.”

Revels, second from right, enjoys Fairmont Scottsdale’s Christmas at the Princess with his new family. (Photo courtesy Kim Sorenson)It has often been said that it takes a village to raise a child. Adopting Revels meant compromises for the entire family. The Sorensons live in a small house. In addition, they are still adjusting to life with an active teenager. 

“He’s a wonderful kid. I love having him in my home, and under my roof,” Billy Sorenson said. “Sometimes like any parent, I don’t like waiting up all hours of the night, picking him up from practice or games…but it’s a sacrifice I am willing to make.”

The best is yet to come for Revels, thanks to his new parents. He’s even considering college. A bright student, Revels’ favorite subjects are those that most athletes avoid.

He loves chemistry, criminology and forensic science. Revels credits his success to being in a healthier environment.

“They [Kim & Billy Sorenson] brought me back on my feet and made me more confident about life,” Revels said.

Revels describes himself as loyal. That loyalty is most evident on the football field. A true-blue teammate, Revels averaged about five tackles per game this past season.

“I will always be there for people, no matter what,” Revels said. “Even if at times people were not there for me.”

In a season where wins are few and far between, Revels has been named Coronado defensive player of the game twice. He proves that in football as in life, every inch of progress gets you closer to the goal.