Quarterback Jamal Anderson helped create the excitement that currently surrounds the Atlantic City High School football team.
Anderson threw for 221 yards and a touchdown as the Vikings beat St. Augustine Prep 26-24 in both teams' season opener. Atlantic City won one game all of last season. The Vikings (1-0) play at Ocean City (0-1) at 7 p.m. today.
Anderson lives in the Venice Park section of the city. He comes from an athletic family.
His sister Bria graduated from Atlantic City last June and helped the Vikings' girls swimming team win Cape-Atlantic League and South Jersey championships last spring for the first time in the program's history.
Anderson is a senior even though he's just 16. He said he wants to play college football but has yet to make any decisions regarding schools.
On how he became a quarterback: When I was little, I always went out in my backyard and threw passes with my dad, Omar. Ever since then I always played quarterback.
On what it was like to go to school the Monday after the St. Augustine win: It was exciting. The confidence was up. You didn't have to put your head down. Everybody was looking at you like you were a superstar.
On playing for first-year Atlantic City coach Thomas Kelly: He brings excitement. He brings toughness. He doesn't allow us to fail.
On his favorite Atlantic City class: It's anatomy. I want to major in sports medicine. I want to be around athletes and help football players and basketball players out.
On who should be the Eagles starting quarterback: I think Kevin Kolb should get another shot. Everybody deserves a second chance. But I think by Week 3 or Week 4 Michael Vick will be starting.
On growing up and living in Atlantic City: You might think growing up in Atlantic City is hard. But if you keep focused and have personal goals and know what's right and what's wrong, you'll be OK.
As told to Michael McGarry
