It’s fourth down. The Colts are short of one touchdown with time almost expired on the clock. Having half a football field left, the Colts need a solution. Kicking a field goal might be hazardous and could lead to a kick six. So, what’s left? A Hail Mary? Only a consistent, accurate and unyielding quarterback could complete that task. Caelan Day, senior and Arlington’s starting quarterback, is a perfect fit.

Acquiring 2,426 passing yards and completing a total of 186 passes out of 321 last year earned Day another starting spot for the 2016 season. With high hopes of going to playoffs, Day declares his team goal for this season.

“Our goal is to win state,” he said.

Day has proven to be a dedicated and hard-working athlete. From previous games this season, it has become apparent that Day has improved from last fall. Rashad Anderson, senior and wide receiver, explains Day’s biggest improvement from last season.

“Caelan and I are almost always on the same page,” he said. “He’s real smart to play quarterback because he sees the game well.”

Leadership is almost required in order to have an effective quarterback, and Day displays just that. Many teammates might say that Day isn’t your ordinary type of leader. He leads his team, but in a distinctive way. Arlington High’s head football coach, Scott Peach, agreed.

“Caelan is not a natural vocal leader,” he said. “On the other hand, he is tremendous in one on one situations. He isn’t afraid to walk up to a wide receiver and correct them in order to get on the same page with the route. He’ll have a conversation one on one on the field and get it right.”

If Day does not succeed in becoming a collegiate athlete as a football player, he has other plans for his future.

“If I can’t play college football, I’ll still attend a college and study chemical engineering,” he said.

Regardless of his plans after high school, teammates expect Day to improve throughout the year and lead his team to many victories.