Matt D’Amico Outside linebacker/ tight end Unionville High School Class Of 2024 Jersey #5 HT/WT 5’11/205 Other sports Baseball Twitter @Mattdamico26
Coach Murphy says “Matt never stops working. Two year starter for us coming off his second knee injury and all he does is grind to make himself and the team better”.
Why do you play football?
Football has been engraved in my family ever since I was born. Both of my brothers played and they have paved the way for my career at Unionville. Football has been a passion of mine for 17 years and it will always hold a special place in my heart for the rest of my life.
It’s gameday! What are you looking forward to the most?
I look forward to stepping onto the field with my brothers(teammates) to compete for our school. Friday nights are the most fun any kid can experience and it makes it even better that my second family gets to experience it with me.
Who is your favorite sports star and WHY?
Mike Trout has always been someone I’ve looked up to. Although his team is in LA his heart is in Philly as he attends many sports games and is essentially the Eagles number one fan. Personally, I’m not an Eagles fan, but seeing how he keeps home deep in his heart has hit hard for me ever since I was a kid.
Do you have a favorite play you remember the most? Explain:
My Sophomore year it was our homecoming game against our rival Kennett. They were driving deep in our zone late in the second quarter. My teammates, Tucker Ophdal and Brendan D’Amico put me in a great spot to make a play and I intercepted a pass right before half. We were winning at the time, but it was a really big momentum push for us holding Kennett scoreless before half. We ended up winning the game 42-7.
What was last years season like for you?
A roller coaster to say the least. through our first six games we were 3-3 looking to make a final push for the playoffs, but we ended up coming short. With a lot of injuries we had to deal with, our guys continued to battle until our season officially came to a close.
What are your goals for this coming season?
As a team we have our set goals for every season: beat Kennett, win a league championship, win a district championship, compete for a state title. Personally I am going to add one to that list for this season. A home playoff game or two is a great goal for our team this season as well.
Who is the best player you ever lined up against?
Dustin Long from Oxford was a huge part of their offense this past season. As a QB, he could really do it all and succeeded as a player throughout his career at Oxford.
What stadium, HS/college/pro would you love to visit for a game?
My favorite NFL team, the Minnesota Vikings.
What is your favorite Pro team, any sport?
Minnesota Vikings and the Philadelphia Phillies.
What game, yours, college or pro, was your favorite game you watched and why?
The Minnesota Vikings and Indianapolis Colts in the 2022-2023 season. It was a very fun game to watch because not only did the Vikings win, but they did so in comeback fashion coming back from a 33 point deficient.
What sports movie would you watch every day if you had to pick one and why?
Friday Night Lights. This movie is extremely entertaining for me as it gives a wide picture of Texas High school football.
If your mom and dad are screaming at you from the stands, what is it they usually yell?
My mom is definitely yelling for me to stay safe, and to protect myself and my teammates. Meanwhile, my dad is yelling for me to be more involved in the play and to be as aggressive as possible.
Name one thing that you’d love to do in football that may never happen?
I would love to play in the rose bowl. The atmosphere and history behind that stadium is truly incredible.
Who is your mentor, the person you want to be like? WHY?
My mom will forever and always be my mentor and who I look up to. She has always been there for my family and I whenever we needed it. No matter the situation, if any of my family needs help she’ll drop everything and be there for us.
Name a sport you’d love to play but can’t:
Croquet is so underrated. That game around a pool or competitively is so fun.
What is your most embarrassing sports moment?
My sophomore season, my brother made a sack against Rustin and I pounded my chest like I was donkey Kong in the backfield. That got caught on film for our team to see and my nickname turned out to be Diddy Kong for the rest of the year.
Is there anyone in your family, besides your parents, you could consider your biggest fan? Who, Why?
My Grandmom for sure. She does everything she can to make every game she possibly can. She loves watching me play and giving me a hug after games even when I’m sweaty and gross.
When you aren’t playing, practicing or training for sports, what is your go to activity and why?
I love to fish. Fishing is so soothing for the mind and fun when you get the hang of it.
What is your favorite football memory to date?
Winning the division championship my Sophomore year. It was truly special doing it with my brother and sharing that moment with him.
What is your favorite play to run?
I love to blitz. Blitzing is awesome because I just get a free run to the ball like I was in 8u.
What scares you the most?
Spiders. I don’t know if its all the eyes or the legs but they are 100% my biggest fear.
Music of choice:
Country.
What was your favorite gift as a little boy? Why?
The kid version of a 4-wheeler. I got it on Christmas and my brother and I drove it around in the snow.
What restaurant is your go to when you need a big meal?
Applebees for sure. Their boneless buffalo wings are so good.
What is your favorite vacation destination?
My family and I took a trip to Arizona in May of 2022. We visited Sedona, Scottsdale, and even caught a Diamondbacks game.
Do you remember what the first football game you saw was?
I got to see the Vikings lose to the Eagles in Philly. It was a rough experience considering my entire family are Eagles fans.