Mitch Stephens Oct 27, 2017
via SFGATE
The advice is concise and never wavers. Every time Campolindo-Moraga quarterback John Torchio consults his dad before kickoff, he hears the same thing.
“Take what the defense gives you and be confident,” the elder Torchio says.
The 6-foot-3, 205-pound senior has heeded pop’s suggestion to every facet of his life.
Described by coaches and teammates as funny, smart, athletic and instinctive, Torchio attacks the gridiron each day with a vigor and self-assurance far beyond his years.
Besides being one the Bay Area’s most productive and versatile players, he’s also a three-sport athlete, a scholar, Eagle Scout and member of the choir.
He’ll take that resume down the hill to Lafayette on Friday, when the 15th-ranked Cougars (6-2) play at No. 19 Acalanes (6-1).
“He’s nonstop entertainment,” Campolindo coach Kevin Macy said. “Nothing stresses him out. He’s just so confident and relaxed, his teammates and others just gravitate toward him. You can tell he’s just loving life and lets it all flow.”
Torchio has completed 114 of 183 passes for 1,749 yards and 19 touchdowns with just four interceptions. He has also rushed 68 times (including sacks) for 488 yards and six scores. He also plays safety, punts and is the team’s punt returner.
Though his offers from Army and Air Force are to play safety, Torchio is attracting interest from Wisconsin, Cal, Stanford and Ivy League schools also for what he’s doing behind center.
Torchio admits he enjoys playing quarterback — “I like being in the driver’s seat,” he said — but will play whatever position colleges want.
Quarterback does come natural.
His dad J Torchio — the one with the advice — walked on at Cal and played quarterback from 1980 to 1983. His claim to fame was the 1980 Big Game, coming off the bench to lead the Bears to a 28-23 win over John Elway and the Cardinal.
J Torchio was also a three-sport standout at Campolindo in the 1970s, and his father, the late Lloyd Torchio, also played quarterback at Cal, in 1947. John’s sister Katharine currently plays soccer at Wisconsin and his oldest sister played water polo at Campolindo.
“I’ve never looked at it as any pressure or a burden,” John Torchio said of his family’s athletic tree. “I was excited to come to Campolindo.”
But he grew up in Lafayette with all the Acalanes kids, including the Dons’ starting quarterback, Robby Rowell. The two have been rivals and friends since kindergarten.
“I guess it will give (Friday’s) game a little more flavor,” Torchio said. “This is nothing new for us. Robby is a really smart guy. He’s got a great mind for the game. He’s big and athletic. He’s got it all.”
MaxPreps senior writer Mitch Stephens covers high school sports for The Chronicle.