James Arett, a senior here at Notre Dame Academy, has had a love for the game of football for as long as he can remember. 

Arett started his journey of “tackle” football in third grade and has enjoyed it ever since.

“To be honest, I wasn’t very good but I still seemed to like playing,” said Arett.

Arett’s love for the game of football could be a coincidence since his father appreciates the game as well.

“My dad is really the first one to show me how to play, it was his sport growing up and I think he wanted to share his joy with me,” said Arett.

Another characteristic that the father-son combo share is the position they both play or have played.

Arett, since starting football in third grade, has always played running back.

“In my opinion, I think it’s the best position in football,” said Arett. “Not only do you get the ball a lot and get an opportunity to score, but you get to hit people which is honestly my favorite part about football.”

However, last season, Arett played wide receiver for the first time due to the breakout senior star Brandon Limoni.

“I mean, Brandon was insane at football, but with wide receiver not being my natural position, I wasn’t very good at it,” said Arett.

Arett is now back at running back for his senior year and has shown that he belongs.

Through the years, Notre Dame Academy has been blessed with star-studded running backs, including Michael Gregory and Nate Ihlenfeldt, who are currently playing college football.

Arett did not shy away from the spotlight through the first four games this year, as he has already totaled six touchdowns and over 420 yards.

“I give all credit to the offensive linemen and fullbacks who have blocked for me.  They’ve made my job a lot easier,” said Arett.

Joel Meglic, a senior at Notre Dame Academy and Division 1 football commit to Cornell, gives the credit back to Arett.

“James has been really solid for us this year. He’s really skinny, unlike me, and also really fast,” said Meglic.

Arett does not have his eyes set on statistics, however,  but rather on wins.

“My overall goal is to just win games, as a team, to make it to the playoffs,” said Arett.

The Tritons almost upset unbeaten Pulaski Friday night, falling 12-10 in the final seconds, and face another undefeated team, the Ashwaubenon Jaguars, at home on Friday, the 27th.