Midway through the 2012 Moorpark Raider football season, incumbent quarterback Max Leffer underwent a position change, and has had success in doing so.

In week 5 of last years Raider campaign, against L.A. Pierce, then starting quarterback Ben Conlin took a shot to the head from a Brahma defender and left the game with a concussion. Leffler was sent in as quarterback, and secured his place as the play caller for the rest of the year.

This season, Leffler lost out the starting job to freshman Nick Davis in week one; a decision that has affected him immensely.

Being a two-time all American at Grace Brethren, Leffler had grown to enjoy the spotlight and the idea of playing second fiddle was unfathomable to him.

“At first I was upset and disappointed,” said Leffler “It left a chip on my shoulder. I have never had that happen to me. Eventually I pushed my ego aside, and focused on improving this team.”

In week 2, after battling a throwing elbow injury Leffler was called into Offensive Coordinator Eric Marty’s office and at that moment he was told the job as quarterback was no longer his.

But Marty offered a caveat. He had plans to use him as a runningback, Leffler reluctantly agreed.

Leffler was then named Captain; he was always vocal on the sidelines and had always remained a team leader. Head Coach Will Thurston backed up his decision.

“That’s the greatest part of the story,” said Thurston. ” Max is humble, and would do anything to benefit this team.”

In the battle for the Citrus cup, against Ventura in week 5, Leffler made his debut. Despite the loss, Max was named SCFA offensive player of the week. After his success, Leffler offered insight .

“I want to be remembered as the one who always works the hardest,” Leffler said. “It’s not about stats, It’s about making everyone around you better. “