As the 2024 Bellefonte High football season begins, a not-so-new player returns to the field wearing number 41.
After several head injuries during previous seasons, senior Noah Weaver made the decision to play one last season as a Bellefonte Raider, after recovering from a severe concussion two years prior.
“This was one of several concussions that I have had, so my parents told me my football career was over,” Noah said.
Upon the arrival of his senior year, Noah gathered with coaches and family to discuss how he could safely play one more season, whilst preventing any further damage to his head. Noah started as a middle linebacker, using a special helmet as a safety precaution.
Noah is currently playing his twelfth year of football and says his favorite memory was beating Chestnut Ridge at the first home game of the season. He expresses that his favorite part of playing football is getting to grow up with the same teammates since flag football.
“We are all like family, we have all done so much together and been through ups and downs together. We are all like family and that’s got to be my favorite part,” Noah said.
Noah is one of the three captains of the football team. He is appreciated for his timeliness, work ethic, and leadership. Coaches find Noah to be an exceptional teammate, player, and role model. They admire his drive, responsibility, and his leadership. Coach Tony Confer describes him as resilient, selfless, and coachable.
“I remember during summer morning workouts he would go to work before coming to our 8-10:30 a.m. practices and then when I would leave the high school around noon he would be sitting along Bishop Street selling sweet corn from his trunk,” Coach Confer said.
Three games into the season, Noah had led the team in tackles and sacks with 34 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and two sacks. Not only is he a leader for the team, but he also plays an essential role on the defensive side of the ball.
As Bellefonte football continues into their season, Noah Weaver continues to be a stand-out player among the defense. His return to football has undoubtedly elevated the team. Coaches, teammates, and community members applaud Noah for his work ethic and his contribution to the success of the team during the 2024 season.
