Summer Feature: Nik Scalzo, QB, Cardinal Gibbons

Posted on July 13, 2018 by Marcus Benjamin

Marcus Benjamin @_benjaminmoney

 

Cardinal Gibbons and American Heritage participated in one the greatest high school football games in South Florida’s immense history last year during the 5A FHSAA playoffs.  The game ended in triple overtime with the scoreboard reading Home – 58 Away – 57. Heritage would walk off of their home field with the victory in route to their third championship in four years solidifying themselves as a dynasty.  

Gibbons has failed to be on the winning side since the two schools began playing each other every year since 2009.  They have suffered through ten straight losses during that time frame to their Broward County rivals. Kentucky commit Nik Scalzo started in the last four games against Heritage and are the only losses on his record as a starting quarterback.  To say he that he wants to beat American Heritage, is the one of the most underrated statements.

 

“I’m 22 and 4 as a starter and I’m not losing to them again, there’s no way,” said Scalzo.

 

There is clearly a buzz around this team as they are the favorite to win the 5A state championship in 2018.  The Chiefs of Broward are looking to build their legacy as many consider this Gibbons team to be the best in its school’s history.  There are loaded with talent all over the field starting with 2019 four star Defensive End Khris Bogle, three star Defensive Tackle Willie Hepburn and fellow Kentucky commit three star Tight End Nikolas Ognenovic.  Ognenovic also played with Scalzo on the talent loaded seven on seven team, South Florida Express.  His team went on to win the Adidas National Championship in Los Angeles.

 

“Me and Nik have built a lot of chemistry these past couple years,” said Scalzo.  “People don’t know how big his game is. He’s a great player and I can’t wait see what we’ll do this senior year.  We created a brotherhood at [South Florida Express]. It was awesome playing with those guys.”

 

Their is practically no offseason for players like Scalzo.  Scalzo will be attending the Football Hotbed National High School Exposure Showcase where he will compete in seven on seven drills and a tournament at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale July 14th.  He recently competed at the QB Collective Camp in Los Angeles that was an invite only event.  These are just a few camps that players like Scalzo attend to sharpen their skills going into their senior year.

 

Gibbons opens the 2018 season against Dade County power Miami Central.  Last year the Chiefs opened with then defending 8A champions Miami Southridge and surprised many on just how dominate they were trouncing the Spartans 27-6.  Gibbons will also travel outside of the state for the first time to Georgia to take on Milton.  Milton went 9-3 last year losing in the second round of the Georgia State Playoffs.  The road game against Milton is another clear sign that the Gibbons program has reached new heights.  

 

“Our school has never won a state championship so I would love to go out with a bang in my senior year, that’s my number one goal,” said Scalzo.  “Our mentality is 18/15 stated Scalzo. In 2018 we have to win 15 games. That’s our focus.”

 

Scalzo started since his sophomore year and has displayed a tremendous ability to improvise when the pocket breaks down and when his receivers are covered downfield.  During this offseason he has made it a point of emphasis to remain calm in the pocket, decipher the defense before the snap and only run when absolutely necessary.

He started playing at the young age of five and knew then that he wanted to be a quarterback. Head Coach Matt Dubuc has been instrumental in his development.  

“My dad said if you want to touch the ball every time then you have to play quarterback. I made that decision when I was five at the flag football level.  I played FBU we won the 7th and 8th grade national championship and that transitioned to my high school career. Coach Dubuc is a football connoisseur and he has really helped me read defenses.  Our whole coaching staff is amazing.”

 

The gunslinger committed to Kentucky in May of this year and does not plan to visit any other schools and says he is a 100% committed to the Wildcats.  He will be taking his official visit to Lexington in December.

 

“Kentucky was one of the first schools to show interest in me my freshman year.  The offense is a lot like our offense. It’s the same concept. The coaches are incredible and their facilities are top notch.  It’s been a big basketball school forever but they are starting to make that transition into a football school as well and I feel I can definitely help with that.”

Scalzo is always looking to improve is game and approaches the game with a great enthusiasm and vigor.  He does not plan to change one bit as his always looking to improve his play as well as those around him.

 

“One of the biggest things about being a quarterback is making your teammates better and that’s what I strive to do with every play.”

 

 

About Marcus Benjamin

Marcus Benjamin works as the senior writer and editor for FootballHotbed.com. He attended Florida A&M and Florida Memorial University completing a bachelors degree in communications in 2010. He's covered high school football in the South Florida area since 2010 for the Miami Herald, Miami Sports Tribune and ShawSports.net. He is married and lives in Fort, Lauderdale, FL.
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