St. Charles North’s Ethan Plumb has aspirations of playing major NCAA Division I football. The junior quarterback received a rare lesson about what that life can be like last season.
The North Stars were blessed with a pair of high-level quarterbacks in Will Vaske, who has since graduated, and Plumb. As a result, Plumb moved in and out of the lineup a few times.
“If I want to play college ball and accomplish great things, it’s going to be even harder,” he said. “I had one guy to compete with. There will be six or seven when you get to college.
“The goal is to use it as motivation. You can’t let it get to you.”
Entering his third varsity season, Plumb can put those lessons to use and take the next step for the North Stars, who are No. 2 in the Beacon-News/Courier-News preseason rankings.
Make no mistake. It’s his team now.
“Everyone has their own story,” Plumb said. “Everyone goes through their own battles. In a perfect world, nothing (bad) would have happened, but that’s not how it works.
“I’ve been waiting. I’ve paid my dues. I feel like I’ve done a lot for this program. It’s good to see it come full circle.”
The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Plumb was thrust into the starting lineup as a freshman due to injuries. He earned the starting job out of camp last season, only to cede it to Vaske.
After Vaske got hurt, Plumb jumped back into the lineup, but when Vaske was cleared, he started and won an epic Week 9 game at Batavia and regained the job.
“Obviously, last year was a unique year for Ethan,” St. Charles North coach Rob Pomazak said. “They both handled it extremely well. He’s a professional.”
Pomazak, who has known Plumb since he was in fourth grade, understands he has a unique talent on his hands.
Power Five conference schools are already taking a look at Plumb, so Pomazak realizes it may take some unique tactics to help him navigate the adversity.
“Ethan is trying to be a one-percenter,” Pomazak said. “He’s trying to be a Big Ten quarterback. We’re fortunate that we had that level of competition at this high school.
“It wasn’t a reflection of his inabilities. It’s more about (Vaske’s) abilities. It wasn’t easy. I’m sure there were some tough nights, but he handled it really well. Moving into this year, it’s exciting to see that he’s the guy.”
Plumb has also grown into a leader, earning a nod as captain this season. He’s also mastered the offense, hunkering down with the knowledge he was in line to be the starter.
His backup is his sophomore brother, Matthew.
His teammates have noticed the difference, according to senior tight end Jake Furtney.
“I think up in the mind he’s gotten better,” Furtney said. “He knows the job is his. He knows how to lead the offense now, too. His reads have developed. Especially with the work I’ve seen this summer, he’s gotten a lot better with everything. He’s matured a lot. I think it will show this year.”
Now, Plumb also gets to play the role of mentor to his brother, another unique opportunity he doesn’t take for granted.
“We’ve actually never played together,” Ethan said. “We’ve been competing since we were 2 years old. We were playing golf this weekend and going back and forth like two brothers.
“It’s fun and it’s a blessing, honestly.”
Over the years, Pomazak has been there to watch Ethan Plumb develop. He’s ready to see what is expected to be a big-time breakout season.
“He’s ready,” Pomazak said. “He’s got the keys to the car, and we’re expecting him to lead us into new territory.”
Quick Facts
Team: St. Charles North.
2022 record: 10-2.
Offensive leaders: Joell Holloman, junior, running back; Jake Mettetal, senior, wide receiver; Ethan Plumb, junior, quarterback; Anthony Taormina, senior, wide receiver.
Defensive leaders: Angelo Bradley, senior, nose tackle; Jaden Harmon, senior, cornerback; Jesse Moreno, senior, defensive end; Riley Sprindis, senior, inside linebacker.
X-factor: Jake Furtney, senior, tight end/middle linebacker.
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.