Rejoice Christian’s Cale Marley
By Brad Heath
Some athletes wired for certain sports. In the case of Cale Marley, football was a sport he was born to play. The son of Rejoice Christian head coach Brent Marley, Cale grew up with a football in his hands. Now a junior in high school, Cale is focused on one thing, helping his team get back to the playoffs in Class 2A.
Last season the Eagles had a stellar year in district play before running into Beggs in the first round. That loss can still be felt and is a motivator for players like Cale who embrace the challenges of a tough schedule and tough opponents.
“Just playing the game I love alongside my brothers in front of an incredible atmosphere is what I’ve loved most about Friday nights. This season is different for me because I’m an upperclassman now so I’m steeping into a bigger role which is exciting, but I’m most excited about going through this season with my teammates,” Cale said. “I’m most excited for the post season where the real football starts. I also have my eye on week two at Beggs.”
Cale is quick to talk about his teammates and their contributions to the overall success of the team.
“What I love most about this special group that will step on the field with me is our love for each other. This team is all about doing it for the guy next to them. And when that is the case, this season becomes greater than football. Keep a very close eye on Josh Hendricks, Hunter Hensley, Nathan Price, Camden Ryan, and Harrison Raney. The list goes on,” Cale said.
This season Cale is moving to the quarterback position after taking over for an injured Chance Wilson (Montana State) in week seven last year. Cale was able to help his team win by contributing 1,913 yards of offense and 27 touchdowns. He averaged 10.4 yards per carry and through three games at QB, he hit a 75 percent completion rate. As a return man, Cale averaged 25 yards per return for the season. Defensively from his safety position, Cale managed 73 tackles, four sacks and three interceptions. Number good enough to catch the eye of recruiters from the University of Tulsa and Army.
“I will be playing quarterback. It’s such a blessing to be able to represent Rejoice and what we are about, and I’m so thankful the Lord put me here so I can represent this school and glorify Him while doing it,” Cale said. “The recruiting process has been good, and it’s truly been a blessing. It kind of came out of nowhere with my first DI offer from Army in December, but ever since then it’s quickly picked up and I’m excited to see where God is leading me and where I’m going to end up.”
Being a student-athlete at Rejoice Christian is something Cale is proud of and when he’s on the field you can see the pure enjoyment he gets out of competing. “I love being a student-athlete at Rejoice because first and foremost it is a Christian based education, so I can grow in my faith while getting a great education. Rejoice also has incredible facilities and great coaches which makes being an athlete that much better,” Cale said. “I want my class to be remembered for playing with passion on the field and for our leadership, but most importantly for our hearts for the Lord and the impact we made on the team and on the school.”
