Piedmont High School senior linebacker Gavin Mason is ready to step into a leadership role for the Wildcats this fall, bringing a mix of toughness on the field and maturity off it.

Mason said the best part of football at Piedmont is the bond he shares with his teammates. “I love the brotherhood and chemistry my teammates and I have on and off the field,” Mason said. That connection is especially important as the Wildcats work through a summer packed with preparation. “Summer workouts are going good. I see a lot of hard work in our team considering we have a lot of new starters. Our team is dedicated and looking forward to the season.”

A linebacker by trade, Mason embraces the responsibility that comes with guiding the defense. “I play linebacker, and I enjoy being the ‘team captain’ of the defense and to be able to fly around and make plays,” he said. He prides himself on his football IQ and ability to diagnose what is in front of him. “The strength of my game is the ability to read my keys and let them lead me to make plays. I’m working on block destruction and working one third of the lineman when pass rushing.”

Mason credits his parents for shaping his character and his outlook beyond Friday nights. “My parents inspire me to be the best young man I can be to one day be a great father and mentor to younger generations,” he said. He also leans on teammate Tatym Stahlman for daily motivation. “My current teammate Tatym Stahlman. He always pushes me to be better and a great teammate. We push each other to work harder and be the best versions we can be for our team.”

A member of the National Honor Society, Mason said last season taught him to “stay committed and trust the process and everything will unfold itself.” He is still considering his future but is drawn to the medical field and the possibility of becoming a radiologist.