Athlete of the Week: Frank Cusano dominates on defense, leads Grizzlies to Division II section title game

The Granite Bay High football team is the lone squad from the South Placer area that will play in a Sac-Joaquin Section title game this weekend. The Grizzlies got to the Division II championship by defeating Del Oro High 21-16 last Friday night. While the Grizzlies had a number of players who stepped up in the affair, junior Frank Cusano led the way on defense with 13 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. Cusano also scored the first touchdown of the game with a 27-yard reception. Cusano played on the varsity team last season and was a part of the Granite Bay rugby team who won the national championship last spring. Gold Country Media asked Cusano some questions and his answers follow. What is the best part about playing football at Granite Bay High? Cusano: "I love playing football at Granite Bay High because of the brotherhood our team holds. We all keep very high standards for each other and push each other every day, whether it's on the football field, in the weight room or in the classroom." How long have you been playing football competitively and who/what is your biggest motivation? Cusano: "This is my eighth year playing football, but even before that, I grew up around football. My biggest motivator was always my brother, he was an amazing safety who graduated from Granite Bay in 2016. Growing up, I always admired him and seeing what he did on the football field inspired me to be like him." What part of your game would you say is the strongest and then what is an area you can improve upon the most? Cusano: "I believe my strength in football is my physicality. I never shy away from contact and love hitting people. I feel I need to improve my technique for the little things that will eventually raise my game to the next level." You had 13 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble in last Friday's win over Del Oro. What contributed to your solid night on the ball's defensive side? Cusano: "I feel my performance on Friday was a product of a hard week of practice where every single one of my teammates pushed me hard every day to get better. Also, it was from being so heartbroken from losing to them in the regular season. That loss made me tell myself before the game that I would do everything in my power to not let that happen again." Did any of your other family members play sports? Cusano: "My mom played soccer at University of Oregon, my dad played football at the University of Oregon and my brother played rugby at the University of California, Berkeley and then played professionally." Do you have a favorite professional athlete? If so, who and why? Cusano: "My favorite player is Ray Lewis because of how much of a dominant force he was. His performance in every game determined the outcomes of games and it was blatant that he was on such a higher level than everyone else. I also aspire to be as good of a teammate and leader as he is." You also play rugby and were a part of the National Champion Granite Bay team last season. How has playing rugby made you a better overall football player? Cusano: "Rugby has made me a much better football player by making me tougher and more conditioned. Since there are no pads, your only choice is to be tough in rugby, which has made me a much more physical football player. Rugby, unlike football, doesn't have nearly as many stops, making the fitness levels for the game through the roof. Those tiring matches and practices have made me much more well-fitted to be able to play whole football games both ways without taking plays off." Have you ever been involved in any other sports? Cusano: "I played basketball pretty much my whole life all the way up to the eighth-grade but I figured it would be best to only play two sports in high school." What is your favorite class in school and why? Cusano: "Math is my favorite subject because it comes very naturally to me and all of the problems just feel like puzzles." Who is your favorite musical artist/band? Cusano: "My favorite artist is Jay-Z. His music is timeless and he has so many songs that get me hyped during training and before football games." Favorite restaurant and favorite food? Cusano: "My favorite restaurant is Chick-Fil-A and my favorite food is pasta." Outside of school and playing football, what do you like to do in your free time? Cusano: "Over the summer, I love going to Folsom Lake with my friends." Is there a particular job you'd like to have someday? Cusano: "I have no idea what kind of career I want to pursue but I want to do something where I could help positively influence lives." If you had a piece of advice for other local athletes, what would you tell them? Cusano: "Be dedicated and consistent and don't expect instant results. All good things take time."