On Friday, Oct.11th Elkhorn North faced one of their biggest rivals, Skutt. The game went back and forth with touchdowns and defensive stops, but what finally set North apart to win the game was Aj Paladino. The Wolves were down by one point when excitement amped up in the 3rd quarter. Skutts quarterback dropped back to throw a screen pass, but Paladino timed it perfectly and returned it to the endzone for a pick six. 

“The pick six won the football game for us, it’s a pretty difficult play to make, and to have someone execute something like that in a moment like that is pretty special,” Head Coach Sam Stanley said.

This play was a huge momentum shift for the team and was the turning point in the game. It shows how good of a player Paladino is. 

“Aj is a very gifted football player, he has a rare combination of size, strength and speed that helps him on the football field,” Stanley said. 

At 6’1 and 230 lbs he is able to aggressively execute his position on the field. 

“Teams cant game plan against him because he’s so good,” Ben Hanson said.

While he is obviously a big influence on the game, he also has a positive influence on his teammates.

“He is incredibly likable and everyone on the team loves him,” Stanley said. “Everyone on the team respects him and that’s a reason why he was voted captain, which is one of the highest honors you can receive.” 

Being a senior and a captain could be a lot of pressure but Paladino continues to do his best and even help some of the upcoming players.

“He’s been in the program for 4 years and I’m obviously a year younger so he’s helped me learn how to play the position better,” Hanson said. 

His talent and leadership will leave a void next year when he graduates. But for now he is a  huge asset to the Elkhorn North football program. 

“We are really fortunate to have Aj on our team,” Stanley said.