2024 In-Season interview with Preston Simko from Butler High School (PA)

 

Preston Simko

Butler High School

Wr and Fs

2026

Heading into the season after all of the practices were complete leading up to your first game, what did you learn about your team?

I learned that our team was ready to complete against the given team. All of our practices throughout the summer leading up to the first game were very competitive.

What goals had you set for your team as you headed into the season?

A team goal we set was to be at.500 or better, which we can still do with this last game left of the year. A personal goal I had set was to break the school single season receiving yard record, which I was on way above past after 4 games with 365 yards, then got my ankle sprained the next week and been out for 3 games and then been limited the last 2 games I’ve played.

What has been the high light of the 2024 season?

My personal highlight of the season so far was the first four weeks of the season and the 7on7 over the summer. The chemistry that I built with our QB was amazing.

What has been the most disappointing part of the 2024 season?

The most disappointing part of the season so far was when I got injured. I felt like I needed to go back out on the field and help out the team but couldn’t even walk with my ankle and felt disappointed that I couldn’t do anything about it.

Butler needs a win next week to get to 5-5 on the season. What is it going to take to beat Central Clarion [Clarion/Clarion-Limestone/North Clarion], who is undefeated?

To beat Clarion to get to.500 would be huge for us, but it’s not going to be easy to do so. They have a very talented QB who can make plays out of the pocket. We need to have a good last week of practice and be focused every day that we are there.

What have you improved on the most as the season has gone on?

I’ve improved mostly just enjoying the season as it goes on and not being so upset over stuff. I’ve gotten injured and really changed my mindset on how I see football. Makes you really enjoy being able to go lift in the summers when you can or go practice in the hot sun when you’re able to because at some point you won’t be able to.

What do you feel is the strongest part of your game?

I feel that my best part of my game is being able to get separation from my defender and finding the open space. I’ve got good route running and fast to be able to get open against my defender.

Who has been the best team that Butler has faced so far this season, along with the things you believe made them so good?

The best team we’ve played so far this year is Wheeling Park, who we just played last week. They were way more prepared than us and more ready to play. They seemed to just have every play to work against our defense. Then our offense was struggling against their defense. They would blitz their backers and just have a ton of pressure and couldn’t get the ball out in time, and we didn't seem to have a play to stop it.

Who has been the best player, along with the team he played on?

The best player we’ve played so far was Wheeling’s RB. He has had a great season so far and still is. I didn’t personally play defense against as I’ve been limited with my ankle, but he’s just a great athlete.

What do you believe it is going to take for Butler to change things around and be one of those teams that other teams fear?

I believe we have taken some steps forward in the program to turn it around, but there are still a lot more steps to be taken to be the team that other teams fear. I think we need to first get people to come out to football and enjoy it. I know a lot of kids who played football and quit at high school because it wasn’t enjoyable then and the bad reputation the team has had in past seasons.

As a wide receiver, what type of corner is the toughest to go up against?

The toughest for me is a corner to go up against, which is usually a fast corner who just sits off you the whole game and uses his speed to just stay on you.

At what point during the off-season will you start preparing for your senior season?
I’ll be preparing the very next Saturday by doing some lifting and speed programs or getting faster and stronger for the season.

What is your favorite class or subject?

My favorite class or subject is math for me. It just comes easy to me.

What is a hobby or talent that you have that would surprise those who know you?

A hobby that I enjoy a lot that maybe not a lot of people know about is golfing. It’s like almost the opposite of football, a very calm and slower sport to play. It’s just nice to go out with friends and have fun with them on the course.

What is your favorite sport to watch on TV?

My favorite sport to watch on TV is football by far, but after that, I watch almost every sport that is just on TV, even if I never even played it in my life.