GROWING PAINS: CM’s Everett learned a lot from turbulent 2025 campaign
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While most starting jobs carry a varying amount of pressure in the sport of football, one position obviously stands above the rest. Some might argue that a kicker experiences the most pressurized situations. But no position is more scrutinized than starting quarterback, down by down and game by game.
When an offense is struggling, blame is most often placed on whoever mans the helm - with varying justifiability.
In finding the definition of a struggling offense, few fit the mold better than Central Mountain's unit from 2025. It took last season's Wildcats four games to score and almost half a season to break paydirt, with growing pains under center from starting quarterback Kyle Everett being a large contributing factor there.
However, what's assuring about growing pains are the flashes of development that come with them. After enduring his first-start jitters against Mifflin County, Everett began to feel more comfortable and confident under center. And those aspects fully materialized in the team's final three games.
Against Mount Carmel, Troy and Jersey Shore, the then sophomore attributed over half his yards - both passing and rushing - on the season as the Wildcats scored nine combined touchdowns. Ultimately, Everett accumulated a combined 365 passing yards, 188 rushing yards and three touchdowns to two interceptions within the span, signaling a turn for the better as Central Mountain's second winless season in two years wrapped up.
"Our offense as a whole was clicking. We were getting the run game going. That was helping with my pass game, and my pass game was helping with my run game," said Everett on those last three games. "Our offense finally came together, and that's where we can have a lot more peace of mind. Just be confident in your game, and let's go play the game we know."
"It was definitely a mental battle. There were ups and downs, didn't have the season I wanted to. A lot of that was on the mental side. This year, I'm hoping to get back on track," he added on the season as a whole.
It remains to be seen if those performances were foreshadowing for what's to come for the junior in 2026. But given the rough nature of the team's early games, it's certainly a positive sign. With another full offseason under his belt, there's strong chance for solid improvement, improvement that could lead CM football to its first win in over 1,000 days.
When discussing his focuses throughout the 2026 offseason, Everett was very clear on what he hoped to build on. Last season, his biggest struggles were classic first-year quarterback woes, including holding on to the ball too long and getting stuck on his first and second reads.
"I was bailing too early and wasn't giving my concepts enough time to develop. So, definitely need to be a bit more patient in the pocket," said Everett. "I've done a lot of speed work over the summer, so I'm hoping to have my run game help me in the passing game as well."
"Lot of times I got stuck in the pocket and didn't really know where to go. A lot of that just comes down to training and getting better. Quarterback's just a game of reps," he added.
Coupled with continued focus on improving his relationship with his receivers, both as a passer and as a leader, a lot of growth can be anticipated compared to last season.
He, his head coach and teammates feel he's in for an elevated campaign. And though he'll be without two of his top receivers from last year, he's confident in the dynamics he's built with returners like Mason Masorti and Gavin Heverly.
"He's definitely become much more of a leader this year," said Central Mountain head coach Travis Thompson on Everett. "He's commanding the field. He's on a much better page with his wide receivers."
"This year, our receiving core is tight knit, very close relationship with all of them," said Everett. "We've been putting in a lot of work. A lot of work. Had an amazing summer, went 7-4 in 7-on-7s, so coming off a very hot summer and hoping to keep things going heading into Week 1."
Preseason confidence and composure are just that until they're displayed on the field, so Everett and Central Mountain football have been working tirelessly to ensure they're up for the challenge come Week 1. The Wildcats face rival Mifflin County to open the season on Friday, a team that routed Central Mountain, 42-0, a year ago.