High school sophomores typically do not win the starting quarterback job on their varsity football teams or lead the team to an undefeated season and state championship that same year.

Williams Field’s Zack Shepherd was that sophomore.

Shepherd, now a junior, earned the role at the beginning of the 2016 season and did not look back until he and his teammates bested Centennial 14-6 in the 5A state championship game last November.

“I remember taking the knee at the end of the game and ending it right there and looking over at my linemen and receivers and having the biggest smile on my face,” Shepherd said.

Although he led the Black Hawks offense the entire season and proved he could compete at the varsity level, Shepherd was still only 16 years old and had to gain the respect of his older, more experienced teammates throughout the year.

“The seniors last year really helped me step up, and they led me really well,” Shepherd said. “I got to look up to some amazing athletes and players. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to have the season I did.”

Senior defensive tackle Jackson Vaught is one of Shepherd’s older teammates who has watched him mature as a player and establish himself as the leader of the offense.

“Ever since the first game (last year) he was able to gain the respect he deserves and was able to take control of the offense,” Vaught said. “His football IQ has only grown since last year and has made him that much better of a player.”

Confidence is key for any athlete, and Shepherd has had the support from both his coaches and teammates to put him in the best possible scenarios to be successful.

“Coach (Steve) Campbell helped me with becoming a leader without being super vocal,” Shepherd said. “Stepping up and being able to win the state championship last year was an incredible experience all around. It’s been a lot easier…to step in as a junior and lead this offense and team in ways I wasn’t really able to last year because I was a sophomore.”

Shepherd has embraced his position on the team and done all he can to better himself and the people around him. His determination and drive have caught the attention of not only his teammates, but people outside the football team, as well.

“Zack’s the ideal kid that a coach looks for,” Williams Field Athletic Director Darrell Stangle said. “He’s not only one of your best players and kids, but he’s one of the hardest workers and every coach’s dream.”

Shepherd’s teammate Brogan Heath has the same sentiment as Stangle.

“Last year, you could tell Zack was doing everything he could to make himself a solid varsity player as a sophomore,” Heath, a senior offensive lineman, said. “This year he has taken everything he has learned, solidified it, and is now comfortable enough to be a solid leader on this team.”

Shepherd will look to continue his success as this current season progresses, and Stangle believes he has all the tools necessary to sustain it.

“As gifted as he is, he’s bright, always prepared, and going the extra step to make sure he understands what he needs to for the team to be successful,” Stangle said. “His willingness to do the work, study film and meet with coaches—it’s that extra degree we always look for.”

Shepherd’s work ethic and leadership skills translate off the football field and outside the classroom, as well. He regularly volunteers at his church (his favorite place to do so being a part of Feed My Starving Children), and his participation with an elementary fun-run allowed him to form a special relationship with a young boy.

The boy, named Zachary, needed help at the event. The two had good chemistry from the start and have maintained contact with each other since that time.

“He loves football,” Shepherd said. “Obviously, I love football. His favorite quarterback was Peyton Manning, and that’s mine, too. So we instantly made this connection with each other that was really awesome.”

Shepherd also loves to play guitar. He began playing eight years ago and has enjoyed it ever since.

“(Guitar is) a close second to football,” Shepherd said. “I love it and music, in general.”

As far as Shepherd’s post-high school plans are concerned, he wants to attend a four year university, get a business degree, head to dental school, and eventually own his own practice. He is, however, open to where football might take him.

“I’ve always loved to put my academics first for a chance to go somewhere like an Ivy League school,” Shepherd said. “I’m stoked I’ve been given the talents to get to where I am today.”