By George Hernandez
Mid Valley Staffer Big George Hernandez sat down with red hot El Rancho quarterback Elijah Mitchell who’s leading the undefeated Dons into this week’s game against rival La Serna.
Mid Valley Sports: What’s up Elijah? how’s it going?
Elijah Mitchell: It’s going well. I am feeling good about the success of my team right now.
MVS: How you feel with all the success you and your team are having?
EM: It’s a good feeling to be 9-0. I just hope to keep the same energy and enthusiasm going into the game this week and heading into the playoffs.
MVS: Are there any other sports you play?
EM: I do play another sport. I play baseball and plan to play this year in the coming up season.
MVS: How would you describe your style at quarterback?
EM: I am more of a pro style quarterback but I have proven this year I am able to pull the ball when needed and get down field. In the summer I really had trouble using touch when throwing the ball but since working with coach Medrano and coach Andrade I have learned to control when and when not to put touch on the ball.
MVS: Are there any quarterbacks you study?
EM: I study primarily two quarterbacks. I like studying Mac Jones and Tom Brady.
MVS: Do you have a favorite NFL team?
EM: Yes, my favorite football team is the 49ers.
MVS: Do you have any game day/pre-game routines or traditions?
EM: I don’t have a pre game routine but it is a must to go to IN-N-OUT after a good win.
MVS: What’s one fun or unique fact about you off the football field that many people probably don’t know about?
EM: I didn’t start playing quarterback until my 8th grade year.
MVS: Coming from a private high school to El Rancho how has the transition been?
EM: The transition was hard at first not knowing what to expect being on a new campus and the whole style of being at a public school, but I was welcomed straight in. To the school and football team and thus far the relationship with the coaches and players on the team has become a brotherhood and family.
MVS: The numbers you are putting up makes you one of the top QBs in the SGV, what pushes you to keep getting better?
EM: I believe that the thing that makes me one of the top QBs in the SGV is the time and dedication that I have put into trying to critique my work so that I am able to perform in tense situations during the game.
MVS: How would it be to cap of this year with a championship?
EM: It has always been a dream to help lead a team to the championship and I know with the skill we have on this team we are capable of accomplishing great things.
MVS: Anything you would like to say or give a shout out to?
EM: I would like to give a shout out to my parents and family for always pushing me to be the best that I can be and supporting me through my journey.
MVS: Last but definitely not least what are your thoughts on this week’s game vs La Serna with a perfect season and league title on the line?
EM: I feel confident in this week’s game plan that the coaches have put together. It’s going to be a good game and we’re going to have to play to our best potential. I know that the odds are against us but that’s nothing new. Were just going to go out and play Ranch football.
Oh you’ll hear me all year till ER and LS meet again … but let’s clarify … best man on that field was WEARING BLUE AND #24!!!
You ain’t heard the last of me … 😂
MY BOYS ARE BOTH UNDERCLASSMEN
#18 – Junior
#63- Freshman
So you best believe we coming for that DELETED next year!
Lmfao !!! It would be better if you just stayed quiet and not even comment. Our secondary lit up your QB. He had no where to throw it. The best player on the field was easy to see. He was wearing number 7 and lit up your defense with ease. Almost 200 yards and didn’t even play the fourth quarter.
@LD Fan, no one in this league is as classless as your fan base. Whittier, Cal Santa Fe fans show far more class than LS fans. I get it, LS is a winning program and has been for awhile and that fosters arrogance. A program is far more respected when you win with class and humbleness. It’s unfortunate you have neither.
Man… Looks like TheRanch18 was wrong on all fronts lol
Better luck next year. Looking forward to the same “this year is out year” comments in the off season
LA FAn … bro only garbage I saw yesterday was the LS fans taunting our players … your lucky our coaches teach these young men how to behave properly… it’s funny how even the Ls players were celebrating but never crossed the lines of taunting me rubbing it in … but no way … the fans and probably your douche self was the one yelling at My boys .. oh but you Sure wouldn’t come to the other side and yell like that … Fans like you is what gives LS the bad hate …
I’ll tell you this – FACT
LS just showed how we need to get more kids in our program … y’all still can’t say your HOMEGROWN like us .. and losing this game just means we don’t win league .. I can at least say my boys played together since they were 8
Can you? lol 😂 not even … but that’s just a moral victory .. bc only W was in the score .
Garbage? Lol… idk what game you saw
Bc to me it just looked like LS had more dudes than ER
But I’ll tell you this , the best player on The field was WEARING BLUE !! Lol
Hate it or love it ! You’ll never admit it !!!
@Er pop I beg to differ. Your fan base is just trash LS doesn’t brag or boast like the subpar program you represent. You guys acted like you already won. This is your year? Fire ur AD and play better competition. Enjoy that L
Oh damn forest said it and it happen
Well LS Fan once again you show your class. Learn from your team and act like a man instead of the fool you are. LS was the better team and ER understands that. Clowns like you are the reason LS fans are hated not the team. ER respects the players and coaches. Calling a team garbage exemplifies your inequities and how sad of a person you are. Good luck to LS in the playoffs and DELETED you clown.
the ranch18 wow maybe if you were humble i wouldnt say anything but man your team is pure garbage. Thats being nice. Maybe not schedule middle school teams.wow talk about hype. The QB ???? 8 picks? thats why we transferred out of SP. Good for him he wouldnt make it anywhere else. You coaches??? man just terrible. See what happens when u play a real team/
Forrest Gump
you sure you ate the right chocolate??? you must have eaten some funny chocolate if you think LS secondary is that good! lol… Mitchelle is gonna light them up!
No excuses here, make sure you come back and let us know what your excuse is ok lol
@TheRanch18… man I cannot wait to read your excuse tomorrow morning after LS beats ER and Picks Mitchell 4 times…. this LS secondary AINT NUTHIN TO **** WITH!!
SCREEN SHOT THIS, check with me tonight 10pm…… NEXT MAN UP! thats the mentality we have at ER.. cmon guys what you think? i know yall might be used to having things handed to you with a gold spoon.. but you are coming to THE RANCH, better bring the WOOD bc these Pico boys are not going to hand you over anything … you better EARN IT, come take it .
Have some respect, keep it clean, between the whistle …. we had no issue with SF but yall almost break out in a brawl… RUMOR is yall dirty players but good at getting refs on your side and dont get caught.
BE READY? WE STAY READY!
@FB: If you thought you were helping LS by exposing Bonilla’s injury you’re a real jerk. Bonilla has been out a full game and a half already. Medrano knows football and dealing with injuries to key players happens to ER every season. Probably LS has injuries as well but if not good for them. So what else you got that you want to share with LS you loser?
Yup, we have no business even showing up.
Isn’t that the burger joint where the state says you have to take a double jab before you can eat a double-double? That DOESN’T sound legit.
From T. Peterson: You don’t like In N Out? You’re on the wrong site.
Unfortunately I’m hearing that Several ER starters out including Bonilla. I’m picking LS and it will be over by halftime. Hoping it will be close
@Anonymous
DO your homework bub… this kid is a PICO KID, went to School with Majority of the kids on our team.. dont think he came here not knowing anyone… THIS IS HOME. Even played his first Year QB in 8th grade at the Pico Rivera Dons….
I wont say much about the school he left ( don’t get me started) ,,,, but before you try and throw shade.. do your homework… unfortunately HE DRANK THE KOOL-AID and so did his parents… I’m just happy he saw the TRUTH and came Home to finish business. Too bad we didn’t get his older brother! HE WOULD HAVE DOMINATED with Andrade as his QB… remember him? Andrade the 5′ QB who everyone doubted and he finished the season by breaking Many Records and ALL AREA QB
Like Anonymous’ passive aggressive comments it is disgusting how jealous pigs will try and expose a young mans life, for what reason? For his own jollies I suppose. Young man, pigs will always root around in the poop looking for a kernal of corn. Succsess of a local young man stimulates these hogs . You and your team mates are doing great. If history tells us anything more veiled attacks will be forthcoming. Remember ER’s long held mantra, “Blue Pride”.
this kid bounced around a little? St Paul, quick stop at La Serrna back to St Paul (supposedly moved out to LA and now at the ranch. Glad this kid found a home.
not only a great QB but an even better young man. The sky is the limit for this guy and not just in football. Good luck Mitchell
I do like his understated confidence. He did not go the we don’t have a chance route but stated that he’s worked hard and Friday nights are his pay day. Good luck young man.
That’s our quarterback! Go Mitchell and go
#ElRancho !