Fantasy football at FVHS is getting more popular by the day. Freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors are picking up this hobby to experience fulfilling suspense and big wins.
Fantasy football isn’t just about the wins it’s about the connections and experiences you get with it. The students at FVHS that play fantasy football mostly play with their friends.
There are many different roles in a fantasy football league, like rookie freshman Euzziah Strickland, experienced money player Roman Spradlin, and a risk-taking trader R.J. Swinks.
Being a beginner isn’t easy for Strickland because he doesn’t have the same experience as other players, which puts him at a disadvantage.
Spradlin on the other hand is experienced and on the other side of that equation with the experience Strickland and other rookies don’t have.
From players who have been doing it for a long time to rookies, there is always room for improvement with fantasy football and that is why everyone keeps on coming back to it.
Fantasy football lets players draft NFL athletes to form their own virtual teams, and how athletes are doing in real games determines how many points they earn for the player’s virtual team.
Points and scores are tracked each week, the player may make the best decision based on real football games, or they may go off of gut feelings and pick favorite players.
Strickland just started his journey with fantasy football and is seeing the impact it has on his friendships instantly.
“My friends convinced me to start playing. I enjoy the fact that it keeps me on the edge of my seat,” said Strickland.
He is always anticipating something to happen when he plays; an injury that may hurt his squad or a big trade is what keeps him coming back to fantasy football. Strickland also spends five hours a week managing his team, but he says it is worth it because he loves the game.
Strickland is a great example of how quickly you can make friends with a group hobby like fantasy football.
“It gets pretty crazy when I’m playing with my buddies,” said Strickland
Another view of the game comes from Spradlin, a fierce competitor who isn’t just playing for fun, he’s playing for money.
With a couple of years of experience, he knows what he is doing at this point and is a polished player.
“I really enjoy the money I’m winning,” said Spradlin.
When Spardlin messes up he takes it seriously. He regrets drafting NFL star C.J. Stroud.
“It was the worst decision I have made picking up C.J.,” said Spradlin.
But he says otherwise about Derrick Henry, a player people underestimate. Spradlin said it was “the best pickup I have ever had,” which makes sense because of the season that Henry is having currently. Spradlin takes his risks but plays smart because if he loses so does his wallet.
A median perspective on the game comes from Swinks, a sophomore who is determined to win and will do whatever it takes.
Swinks uses trading as his main strategy and is making plays left and right with it.
“Trading Dak Prescott and Tank Dell for Micah Parsons really helped my team,” said Swinks.
This was the best trade that he has made so far, but he is planning on making more.
“I really enjoy the mystery of what’s going to happen next,” said Swinks.
Playing with his friends is also really enjoyable. Fantasy football isn’t just about a fun hobby or a way to make money, it is something that can bring friendships together.
