Neuqua Valley's Mark Gronowski wins the Week 3 Team of the Week MVP

Mark Gronowski loves playing the Madden NFL video game, although he does not have a favorite quarterback he likes to play as.

May we recommend Mark Gronowski?

Gronowski, Neuqua Valley's senior quarterback, put up positively video game numbers last Friday. Gronowski threw for five touchdowns and ran for two more against East St. Louis, arguably the most talented team in the state, in a 50-48 Wildcats' loss.

Gronowski was voted as the Friday Night Drive Team of the Week MVP with 370 votes, taking the top honor over runner-up Matt Lorton, quarterback of Fieldcrest.

Gronowski was presented his MVP belt, sponsored by Rosati’s in Crystal Lake, after Tuesday’s practice in front of his teammates and coaches. Gronowski, a South Dakota State recruit, then answered a few questions from Shaw Media's Joshua Welge.

I was following the scores on Twitter last Friday and I couldn't believe the score I was seeing in your game. What was it like to play in a game like that?

Gronowski: It was awesome. Our offense just played great, we were in a great rhythm the entire time, it was unbelievable to keep scoring like that. Our offense just could not be stopped in that game.

At one point did you say to yourself, I can't believe I'm playing in a game like this, or did you?

Gronowski: We came into the game thinking that we could beat any team and that we could play with any team. I don't think there is a point that we thought anything different. We just played the way that we needed to play and we had the right strategy.

I know you always want to get a win, but what did that game say about you guys as a team and what does it do for your team going forward?

Gronowski: It sets a rhythm for us going into the rest of the season. We have to use it as a steppingstone for the rest of the season. We're going to put points on the board and hopefully keep winning football games.

How do you feel about the start of the season in general? You get two wins right off the bat against Glenbard North and Stevenson, then play one of the best teams in the state to a two-point game going into league play.

Gronowski: We feel good about ourselves. Getting two wins against two tough football teams gave us some confidence and momentum. Going into conference we feel pretty good about ourselves. We think we have a great opportunity to win conference.

South Dakota State, when do you commit to them and what made you decide to commit to them?

Gronowski: I went there in June for a visit to a camp and just fell in love with the school. The coaches were so nice, everyone was so genuine, I loved everything about it.

Do you have a favorite football team and a favorite athlete that you like to follow?

Gronowski: My favorite team is definitely the Chicago Bears – I mean, I'm from Chicago. I love watching Tom Brady, he's one of my favorite quarterbacks, I love watching him play and how smart he is with the game. That's what I want to be when I get older. He's always so precise in everything he does, he can read any defense and can make the perfect accurate pass.

Pregame meal, is there one in particular you have to have?

Gronowski: We always have team meals, the night before we always go to Pancake Cafe, they always have a meal of the week and last week they had pulled pork sandwiches. Always before Fridays we have pasta and chicken.

Do you have a favorite TV show?

Gronowski: I like South Park.

Is last Friday your best sports moment so far or is there one that I don't know know about it?

Gronowski: Yes, I would definitely say that last Friday was my best performance and best sports moment so far.