APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) — When Connor Navis arrived at Appleton West High School as a freshman, he was immediately named the varsity football team’s starting quarterback.
“We threw him out there, and it got a little ugly,” Coach Thompson admitted, recalling that first start. “But we knew in due time, he’d make a name for himself, and be that dude.”
Navis, headed into his third year as the starter, has high expectations for what he and his team can accomplish this year. Through two games, the Terrors are 2-0 for the first time since 2021, and in those games, Navis has 11 total touchdowns (10 passing touchdowns, one rushing).
“He’s starting to pop off early,” Thompson said. “And we still have another year with him. The sky’s the limit for that kid.”
Connor’s teammates, like junior running back Charlie Blevins, aren’t surprised by Connor’s recent success. For the past three years, they’ve watched him go toe-to-toe with some of the best programs in the state, like Bay Port and West De Pere, and hold his own.
“He showed last year that he can hang with those teams,” Blevins said. “He’s a presence on the field.”
Coach Thompson even compared Navis to legendary NFL quarterback Brett Favre, calling him “Brett Favre-like,” referencing a 53-yard touchdown pass Navis completed in Week 1.
“He’s always looking for the big play,” Thompson said. “He’ll shake off a defender, look upfield, and find his guy. And they trust his arm.”
“Who doesn’t love to throw bombs,” Navis said. “I definitely consider myself a bit of a gunslinger.”
But what Navis brings to the table goes beyond just his arm strength. As an upperclassmen, he’s stepped into more of a leadership role, even going far as driving his teammates to practice and workouts.
“He’s really stepped up as a leader,” Blevins sad. “He’s vocal, he sets the tone, and he makes sure we’re all bought in.”
“You have to do what you got to do to get guys here, and make sure everyone’s on their A-game,” Navis said.
Appleton West, already with two wins under its belt, is on its way to posting a winning record for the first time since 2017. The Terrors, historically, have not been a great football program, but Navis believes this is his team’s year, calling his shot.
“We’re going to make a splash, we’re going to do it,” Navis added. “We’re going to make playoffs and put everyone on notice.”
