#CFCOPC PLAYERS TO WATCH: Team Halton-Peel Minor QB Viotto brings heart and soul

The countdown begins to CanadaFootballChat.com’s Ontario Prospect Challenge (OPC) on the April 29th weekend at Tim Horton’s Field in Hamilton. In the days leading up to the OPC, CFC will preview the teams and the players participating in the big event.

Football may be “just a sport” for some, but when you have a passion and love of the game like Andrew (Drew) Viotto, it becomes a way of life.

When Viotto received an invite to the OPC from the Sault Minor Football Association, he was happy and excited to say the least. “I chose to play because I love football and want to play in the future, so this was a great opportunity,” he said.

Viotto, who is 5’5, 125lbs, will be playing as the quarterback for Team Halton Minors. Along with the invite to the OPC, he said making it as a quarterback has been the highlight of the Challenge so far.

Last year, Viotto, who was in grade five at the time, was featured as a starting quarterback with the Sault Minor Football Association. The league was comprised of fifth and sixth graders. “I plan to play again this summer and I am excited for the season,” he said.

“I love throwing touchdown passes and calling the players,” Viotto said. “I also love that I get to touch the ball every offensive play.”

Being a quarterback himself, it is little wonder that he draws inspiration from two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL game, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. “They are winners on the field and they aren’t cocky players but confident,” he said.

The OPC promising to be a special event for all those involved. But for Viotto, he said, “I will remember this game for the rest of my life. I will be super excited to play in the game.”

The young player also added that, “I will be nervous but once I am in the game and completing some passes, I will feel very good.”

Viotto will be graduating in 2023. His goals are to get a scholarship to either a college or a university and play football while getting an education. “I love watching NCAA football and really like the Florida Gators, Michigan Wolverines and Notre Dame Fighting Irish,” he said.

“I also like Canadian schools like UBC, Western and McMaster,” he added.

As a quarterback, Viotto understands his role as a leader on the field. “I want to lead the team, make good decisions and throw touchdown passes and win the game,” he said. “And just have fun.”

Personal goals aside, Viotto hopes his team not only wins the game, but relishes in the chance the OPC has presented them. “More importantly, [the goal] is to enjoy this awesome opportunity and play with other kids from around Ontario and make friendships,” he said.