Most sophomores would be terrified to step under the bright lights as the starting quarterback, but for Jake Forburger it is in his blood. His older brother Josh Forburger, a WJ alum, was the starting quarterback for the Wildcats from 2017 to 2019.

Due to Charlie Blessing suffering an in-game shoulder injury, Jake Forburger stepped up to lead the Wildcats. His following performances did not disappoint in the slightest.

Forburger got the opportunity to start against Blair (40-14) and Wheaton (46-6). The team averaged 43 points per game with him starting in each matchup. Prior to Forburger taking over the reins at quarterback, the offense had scored over 25 points in only two of their five games.

“I did my job and made a couple of nice plays. My teammates and coaches put me in great positions to succeed the whole game, and it made it easier. Still need to clean up little things though,” Forburger said.

Not only has Forburger made an impact on the Wildcats’ record, but also his teammates.

“Jake’s a great teammate with a bright future ahead of him. He’s a great young leader and will be the rock for the team for the next few years. He always challenges us to be better while working hard on improving himself,” senior captain Dylan Minnick said.

His father introduced him to the game of football and he started playing at seven years old. Jake is committed to continuing his brother’s legacy as Josh was the first WJ quarterback to win seven games in a season.

“Before I play in any game I always call my brother Josh,” Forburger said.

At the end of Forburger’s freshman year, he was pulled up to play varsity. With only two months of varsity experience, he has now faced much older competition in stadiums packed with students and parents.

“It was a different feeling I’ve never felt before. The atmosphere gave me so much adrenaline and excitement,” Forburger said.