Blaise Rufffing Is In The Zone
Described by coaches, reporters, and players as the best defensive lineman in the area, Senior Blaise Ruffing's passion for the game of football has been non-stop since he was eight. At 6'4” and over 260 pounds, Ruffing stands above the man he is guarding both physically and mentally. The second the referee blows the whistle, he goes into a zone, pancaking whoever may be in his way into the ground.
Ruffing began his football career in the Lower Loudoun Boys Football League when he was eight, and played A, B, and C league. His love for the game can be attributed to many things that happened early on in his career. Perhaps it was the first time that his team, the Ravens, won the league championship, bringing ten-year-old Ruffing to tears. Maybe it was the first coaches that he had, John Patterson and Mike Skidgel, who left more fingerprints on his life that any other coaches because of their driving force that helped his team win games and kept Ruffing interested in the sport. However, the most important people that have influenced Ruffing's football career are his family, especially his father.
“My family is always there for me when it comes to life and sports. They rarely miss a game of mine and if I ever need anything for school or right before a game, they will drop whatever they are doing and make sure I am ready,” says Ruffing.
He reports that his father is the one who got him into football and without his support, would not have had as much fun as he did.
“The best advice I had ever received was from my father,” says Ruffing. “He's always told me to never give up on something once you have started it, because once you quit one thing, it makes it easier to quit everything else.”
Ruffing's personal goals for this year are to be all-state both ways for football, to take 1st in the state for wrestling, and to get a full football scholarship.
“I would love to play in college,” says Ruffing. “People always tell me that college is so much fun, but it is even better when you play a sport like football.”
He is interested in attending Furman, UVa, JMU, Delaware, Elon, and Boston College.
“Blaise has the talent to play at the next level, and I definitely see him playing in college for a Division 1 program,” said new Panther head coach Scott Woodlief.
After college, Ruffing would like to either go into politics or become a professional trainer. He is also interested in coaching at the high school or college level. While he is not playing football or wrestling, Ruffing coaches little league lacrosse and is a member of the Varsity Club.
Ruffing also has high hopes for the Panther Football Team this season. Last season, the team finished in third place, quite a step up from previous seasons, but according to Ruffing, it felt like dead last.
“I don't think that this season will compare at all to last season. This year we are actually going to win, but most importantly, I think our team will mesh with each other better that we ever have before. Plus, I think this year is going to be more fun for both the players and the fans because our offense isn't going to be so one-dimensional,” says Ruffing.
His specific goals for the team are to have a fun year, win a district title, and have a shot of going to states. “I expect to finish in first place, like I do every year, but the one difference this year is that I can say it with confidence.”
“The things I see in Blaise that really stand out to me are that he's a hard worker, dedicated to the program, very coachable, and a good person,” says Woodlief. “He brings leadership to the team and plays both sides of the football. He is a positive role model and a respectful citizen in the community.”
With a brand new coaching staff, Ruffing is excited about his senior season.
“For once we have a team and a coaching staff that are on the same page with each other. The seniors on this team are all sick of losing, and for the first time we believe we have a team that can join together to go the distance. We believe in our coaching staff and know that they can point us in the right direction.”
As the Panthers prepare for their non-district and district schedules ahead, it is exciting to hear that this year's team is so focused. With Ruffing's leadership and ability, Potomac Falls will be in the hunt for a district championship. Keep an eye on big #71 for Potomac Falls, as he is most definitely one of the best players in the state of Virginia.
