Colletto dedicates season to Camas

Although the Gatorade Football Player of the Year Award goes to one athlete in each state, Jack Colletto shares his trophy with a city of state champions.

“I know the award goes to me, but it really should go to my teammates, coaches and the community of Camas,” Colletto said. “I couldn’t have done it by myself. I doubt anybody who’s won it has done it by themselves.”

The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Camas High School senior quarterback and defensive back led the Papermakers to a 14-0 record and the Class 4A state championship in 2016. Colletto completed 191-of-304 passes for 2,846 yards and 27 touchdowns against just four interceptions. He also rushed for 1,253 yards and 21 trips to the end zone on 165 carries. The 4A Greater St. Helens League Offensive Player of the Year recorded 38 tackles, three interceptions and four forced fumbles on defense.

Colletto said his No. 1 goal was to win a state championship at all costs. Whatever it took, he would make the effort and the sacrifice. By doing all the little things it took to accomplish his goals on the field, Colletto became the choice for Gatorade Football Player of the Year.

“I always kind of had this in the back of my head,” he said. “Now my name will be up there at the school next to Reilly Hennessey, Alexa Efraimson, Bennett Lehner and Brent Richards. It means a lot to me.”

It’s only been a few weeks, but Colletto already misses playing football with his best friends.

He hopes those state titles won in football, soccer and cross country this fall inspires future Camas athletes and teams to make the most of their opportunities in high school.

“The winning was good, but what I will take from this season are those times in practice when it was just us out there grinding every day and getting better,” Colletto said. “Those are the moments we will never forget.”