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Name: Michael Baffa
School: St. Francis, senior
Sport: Football
Why he was selected: Baffa threw for two touchdowns and ran for a third in the Spartans' 45-0 first-round playoff win over Clark. Chronicle sports reporter Jacob Bartelson caught up with Baffa to discuss his season in relief of quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse and more. Below is an edited transcript.
Bartelson: Playing behind Tommy for much of the season, what helped prepare you to be starting now with his injury?
Baffa: Well, I didn’t get any reps at QB during summer camp, but with someone like Tommy playing in front of you every Friday, it isn’t hard to understand what’s going on. He does all the correct things, which makes getting in the swing of things a lot easier. Plus, I’ve been in the offense for two years now, and with our coaches, they got me prepared the best I can.
Bartelson: What has Tommy helped you with while he's been sidelined to help get you ready?
Baffa: He's definitely been helpful to me as I mentioned before. He is very good at knowing where the open guy will be before the play, and he's gotten me better at that. Plus he's a year younger, so it's a lot easier to talk to him because we are pretty good friends outside of football.
Bartelson: You've been a part of some huge wins. Which is your favorite and why?
Baffa: Beating IC [Catholic] was definitely a big win. They are a top program in the state, and to come in and help out means a ton. It was the ultimate team win. Most fun game I have ever been apart of.
Bartelson: Who is your favorite NFL or college team and why? Favorite player?
Baffa: My favorite player has got to be [Kansas City Chiefs quarterback] Patrick Mahomes. I've been following him since college and now that he's a star, it's cool that I followed him before it was cool. I love his game and I try to model myself after him when I can.