Eric SorensonIn some ways Mason Goodell and Andre Agassi are much alike.
No, the Valley Christian High School senior likely won’t turn into a tennis superstar but he and Agassi are fierce competitors and both believe, “image is everything” as the former World #1 player once proclaimed in a Canon Camera commercial back in the early 1990’s.
“I kid him all the time,” VCHS head coach Jeff Rutledge told Sports360AZ.com with a wry grin after the Trojans 44-19 win over Benjamin Franklin High School. “He loves to look at himself in the mirror.”
The 6’1″, 195-pound star also likes to see himself in opponents’ backfields much like he was against the mostly overmatched Chargers Friday night in Chandler. When he wasn’t blowing up plays he was blowing past defenders one week after a team-high 92 receiving yards against Tempe Prep. He has three touchdown receptions through six games this season.
Such is the life of a two-way star.
“Both sides of the ball are really fun,” Goodell explained. “I like hitting people…so I like the defensive side of the ball a little more.”
His play caught the attention of Arizona Christian University who offered him a scholarship. He’s also received interest from Colorado State University-Pueblo, Adams State, Abilene Christian and Occidental College in Los Angeles.
Rutledge isn’t sure what position Goodell will play at the next level but can’t overstate his importance in terms of production and guidance for the 3-3 Trojans who have only eight seniors on the roster.
“He hardly comes off the field,” he explained. “Mason has definitely stepped forward and been a good leader for our guys to follow…great kid. Good Christian kid.”
Goodell, who enjoys cliff jumping and hanging out with friends at the lake in his free time, plans to major in business and minor in biology next year (at whatever school he attends) and eventually pursue a career in medical sales.
Sharp on and off the field.
It’s the only way Mason Goodell knows.
