Sehome junior Nolan Wright grew up playing soccer until his friends drew him to try out for football in fifth grade. As an eighth grader, Wright was on the high school’s sideline as the ball boy. He then became the starting varsity quarterback as a freshman the next season.
“At the start of high school, I came in and didn’t know what to expect,” Wright said. “I had a lot of older guys and coaches trust and help me. I think those older mentors helped me gain experience fast.”
Wright began to write his name into Whatcom County history by breaking several freshman football records. He holds the records for most pass attempts (146), completions (92), passing yards (1,205), passing touchdowns (13) and most touchdowns in a single game (six).
“A lot of what we do is mixed week-to-week,” Wright said. “A lot of the players on the team can do things to help me.”
Wright has been around his teammates since fifth grade and said each teammate has helped him grow his confidence and abilities on the field. “Being around those guys, I carry them close to me,” Wright said.
As a sophomore, Wright continued to add to his stats. He threw for 2,022 yards and 23 touchdowns, and carried the ball 50 times for 72 yards and two touchdowns. Currently, Wright is ranked first in the county for passing yards this season, throwing for 2,698 yards as of Nov. 21. He also holds the school record for career passing touchdowns (58).
Sehome has reached the state playoffs for the first time since the 2018–19 season. Wright hopes to secure a state title before he graduates.
“We got a promising state run so I want a championship,” Wright said. “I also want to go off to college and play somewhere.”
Nick Zeller-Singh is CDN's sports reporter; reach him at nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 104.
