OPC: QB Quiviger prepares to lead Team Central Varsity squad into Ottawa

The countdown begins to CanadaFootballChat.com Ontario Prospect Challenge on the May 1st weekend.  In the days leading up to OPC, CFC will preview the teams, coaches and players participating in the big event.

When he was 11 years old, Zacharie Quiviger’s gridiron journey began with Montreal’s College Jean Eudes Eagles.

Since then, the 6’0, 190 pound standout has risen to the challenge of playing at the quarterback position and has enjoyed the expectations as well as the responsibilities that have come with the role.

“I play quarterback because it is a demanding position,” explained Quiviger.  “Quarterbacks have to spend a tremendous amount of time studying film, working on throwing mechanics, attending meetings and training.”

“I consider myself a student of the game and I am therefore delighted to invest my time in game preparation. Also, on game day, quarterbacks have many responsibilities. I enjoy reading defenses, calling audibles and switching formations. I’m proud to play at a position that allows me to take command of the offense on every play. Although I love being a quarterback, I truly admire the level of effort and the physicality required at other positions.”

Now as the leader of the offensive attack for the Upper Canada College Blues of the Conference Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA), Quvigier has evolved as a poised pivot.

“I feel like it is my job as a quarterback to build confidence in my teammates,” elaborated the Quebec standout.  “Therefore, I always keep my calm under pressure and play my best when it matters the most, when the game is on the line.”

“I will take what the defense gives me and will avoid turnovers at all costs. I always believe my team has a chance to win and will work hard to come out of a game victorious.”

For his part, Quiviger revels in the opportunity to assume a leadership role and learning the intricacies of learning how to excel as a pressure performer when it counts the most.

“I like to be a leader and communicate with my teammates,” added the pivot.  “I also enjoy the vast range of emotions I go through during a game.”

“Throwing a touchdown pass fills me with excitement while throwing an interception brings me anger and shame. Stressful situations can also be difficult for most athletes but I really appreciate having a key role in those circumstances. Finally, I really like the close contact quarterbacks have with their coaches. I feel like my position gives me a real insight in the offensive strategies.”

Growing up, Quiviger has tried to emulate his playing style to some of the greatest passers in the game including Anthony Calvillo, Drew Brees, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.

“I’ve grown up watching numerous quarterbacks,” described the Quebec quarterback.  “Calvillo, despite having limited athletic abilities, was always able to post amazing numbers and lead his team to victory.”

“As an Alouettes fan, I appreciated seeing him win multiple Grey Cups. Brees, despite his short stature, is considered as an all-time great. Brady has the clutch factor that every quarterback envies. Manning seems to understand the game, the X’s and O’s, better than anyone else in the NFL.”

On Saturday, the pivot will participate in the Ontario Prospect Challenge (OPC) as a member of Team Central’s Varsity squad.

“I had never heard of the OPC before this year,” recalled Quiviger of how he was introduced to OPC.  “I was lucky enough that one of my coaches knew about it and told me it could be a good idea for me to try out.”

“The first try out session was held on the campus of Upper Canada College where I am a boarding student. I therefore had nothing to lose by showing up! I had a great time and decided it was worthwhile to carry on with the selection process.”

Quiviger reflected back on his OPC process.

“I’ve attended three tryout sessions including the Top 100 selection camp at the Wild Water Kingdom Field Turf Dome,” said the Team Central quarterback.  “I remember flying in from Montreal that morning and arriving at practice with my entire luggage.”

“I had a great time participating in scrimmages and pass shells. I like competitive drills: they’ve been my OPC highlight so far.”

Moreover, Quiviger found that the coaching staff did everything to help him improve as a player but instructed on new and unique techniques aimed at enhancing his game.

“It’s stunning how some coaches have different opinions on various facets of the game and it’s always great to receive feedback on your play from new coaches,” explained Quiviger.  “At Team Central, I had the chance to receive tremendous coaching.”

“It’s also a great experience for me to learn an entire new playbook and it will definitely help me get more comfortable with some aspects of my game. OPC coaches are there to help players and I’ve had the chance to ask every question I wanted to.”

For the Team Central quarterback to handle the pressure of playing at TD Place in front of family, friends, recruiters and fans, he must possess one things come game day.

“If I have been selected to represent Team Central, it means that my coaches think I am capable of playing at this level,” offered Quiviger.  “Therefore, it will be important for me, especially as a quarterback, to have confidence in my abilities.”

“I am lucky enough to have some of the best high school players in Toronto on my team. They will certainly help me succeed. Also, I firmly believe that preparation is the key to a good performance. Therefore, I will study my playbook thoroughly in the days leading up to the game.”

His recent training regimen is geared toward preparation for the big game.

“I’ve lifted weights all winter,” described Quiviger.   “I’ve participated in a number of camps such as the QB Canada Clinic in Mississauga.”

“I’ve also participated in a number of throwing sessions. My offseason has been all about throwing as much as I can while trying to preserve my right arm for next season.”

Set to graduate in 2016, Quiviger understands the magnitude of making a positive impression at OPC as recruiters will be watching his every move.  Already, he is deeply involved in the recruitment process.

“When it comes to university, I am mostly focused on academics and will therefore not make a choice with football in mind,” added the Team Central pivot of his intentions.   “I would like to continue playing football going forward but would be ready to stop if it was to attend a top-notch college.”

“It would be my dream to crack an Ivy-League roster or to play in the NESCAC. I am also highly interested in the University of Chicago as it is considered as one of the top academic institution in the world. Canada also has a number of great universities. I am particularly interested in the University of Toronto, which is ranked in the top 20 internationally for its academics, as well as Queen’s and McGill.”

When kickoff arrives on Saturday night, Quiviger will be focus and motivated to accomplish some significant personal and team feats during the game.

“My personal goals for the OPC are simply to have fun with the whole process and to perform well in the game on May 2^nd,” offered Quiviger.  “I think it will important for me to create chemistry with my receivers in order to bolster our passing attack.”

“I will work hard in practice to be on the same page as them when it comes to routes, plays and adjustments. As a team, I think our only objective will be to defeat Team East. Even though the event is an all-star game, I definitely think it will be important for us to work as a group to come up with the win.”

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