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Before John Sindoni attended Liverpool High School, he envisioned himself winning a sectional and state title. Entering Sindoni’s freshman year, the Warriors’ previous starting quarterback had graduated, so he was immediately thrust into the role.
At the time, he had little muscle. As a result, he committed himself to transforming his body so he could compete against the powerhouses of the league.
Sindoni created a workout and nutrition plan, with help from the football team’s strength and conditioning coach, in his sophomore year. The plan consisted of lifting four days a week over the summer and holding field sessions to throw with receivers.
Sindoni ate the right amount of protein and vegetables at every meal with the occasional bulk day. He began to notice subtle differences. Two years later, he stands at 5-foot-11, 185 pounds — with his bench press exceeding 200 pounds.
The training has paid off. Throughout his three-year career at Liverpool, Sindoni has thrown for 2,736 yards and 33 touchdowns. During his sophomore year, the quarterback had a breakout campaign, becoming a Class AA All-State Honorable Mention and receiving first-team All-CNY & All-League honors.
A key aspect of Sindoni’s ascension was his offseason work. Because Liverpool’s conference is physically demanding, Sindoni knew he needed to get stronger.
“He built his body up to improve physically and mentally, which helped with his elusiveness as a runner,” Joe Sindoni, Liverpool’s head coach and Sindoni’s father, said.
Initially, upon taking over as the starting quarterback, significant weight was put on his shoulders. Over time, his maturity and composure propelled him to grow into the role. Sindoni’s voice has gained confidence and his playmaking ability earned him the right to be voted captain as a junior.
Backup and junior varsity quarterbacks learn from Sindoni on the sidelines and in practice, as well. For the Warriors, the backup quarterback runs the scout team and Sindoni teaches them how to remain calm under pressure.
One way Sindoni avoids pressure is by sticking to the same routine every game day. An hour until game time, the junior puts his pads on and gets loose. To ensure his arms are warmed up, he uses pliable balls to stretch out his muscles.
He doesn’t play with a lot of emotion — an asset that propels the Warriors. Sindoni remains unfazed, even when he makes mistakes.
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“You can’t let your teammates see that you’re down. It’s a horrible feeling walking back to the sideline,” Sindoni said. “Being down is only going to make yourself and your team worse.”
Football hasn’t always come easy for Sindoni. He started playing in seventh grade but was considered short for a quarterback, standing at 5-foot-11. Most opposing linebackers are at least 6-foot-2, making it challenging to see open receivers.
The junior consistently studies film to make up for his size. Monday is Liverpool’s designated film review day at practice. In these sessions, Sindoni has learned to take what the defense gives him.
“His whole life he’s wanted to be a quarterback and play in the system,” Joe said. “You can’t control how tall you are. There are certain things you can’t control.”
Prior to the snap, Sindoni scans the left or right side of the field. He knows he can throw the ball earlier to his receivers if one side has a more favorable matchup than the other. Dom Carroll, a senior linebacker, said whether it’s staying in the pocket or throwing on the run, Sindoni trusts his teammates and prioritizes spreading the ball around.
“His connection with receivers is really good with each other,” Carroll said. “No matter what, they have faith in him.”
Sindoni credits the supportive environment of his family as an integral part of his success. While Joe is Liverpool’s head coach, his twin sister, Giuliana, is the team manager.
Though Sindoni just started his junior year, he has been invited to numerous I.D. camps and visited universities as he prepares to play in college. He has traveled to Ithaca, Marist and UAlbany, but hasn’t received any formal offers.
While he still has his upper-class years ahead of him at Liverpool, Sindoni craves the possibility of playing at the next level.
“I’m open to anything honestly,” Sindoni said.
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