National District Football Player of the Week: Laith Sbitan Anchors Lewis High School Defense with Tenacity and Leadership

This week, Lewis High School's senior linebacker, guard, and long snapper, Laith Sbitan, takes the spotlight as the Player of the Week for his remarkable defensive play and leadership on and off the field. Laith's relentless effort and determination were on full display as he delivered a standout performance that proved crucial in his team's recent game.

Laith recorded 12 total tackles, including six solo tackles, forced a fumble, and blocked a punt. However, the highlight of his week came just before halftime when he made a crucial stop on a 4th and 1 at the 18-yard line. "I was able to break through and tackle the running back three yards behind the line of scrimmage," Laith explained. "That stop was significant because it allowed us to go into halftime only down by two points instead of potentially trailing by more, which could have shifted the momentum against us."

Laith's influence extends beyond the stats sheet. His leadership and passion for the game set the tone for his teammates throughout the week. "I feel like I contributed by setting the tone in practice leading up to the game," he noted. One key moment that stood out for him was right after McLean scored a 50-yard touchdown on their first offensive snap. "As a defense, we had a choice to either let that affect us or learn from it and fight back," Laith shared. "I’m proud that we didn’t lay down. We kept ourselves in the game, which set a standard for our defense for the rest of the season."

For Laith, representing his school, family, and teammates is what drives him to perform at his best. "No matter where you are, you are representing something," he said. "On the field, I represent my family, my teammates, and my school. That motivates me to give my best." He draws inspiration from Coach Smith, a mentor who has been with him since his freshman year. "Coach Smith’s dedication and the sacrifices he makes inspire me to go out and give it my all," Laith expressed.

Facing challenges head-on is nothing new for Laith. Reflecting on a difficult week of practices leading up to the game, he emphasized the importance of preparation. "We had a great walkthrough on Thursday, and it showed me just how vital it is to be focused and ready, even in practice," he explained. When it comes to handling pressure, Laith believes in embracing it. "Pressure is good," he said. "Last game, I felt like our defense was feeding off it. There’s pressure on everyone, but we don't let it get to us. We use it to fuel our performance."

Looking ahead, Laith has set ambitious goals for himself and his team. "I want to make it to the playoffs and compete for a district championship," he stated confidently. Academically, he aims to get accepted into a good college, with the University of Virginia in his sights. Beyond that, Laith hopes to leave a lasting impact on the culture at Lewis High School. "I want to establish a new mentality that will flourish in the coming years," he said.

Off the field, Laith enjoys lacrosse, a sport that helps him relax and stay focused. He also loves being involved in various school activities, believing in leading by example, especially when trying to change the culture. His unique pre-game rituals, like listening to "Rockstar" by Nickelback and "Twilight Zone" by Golden Earring, along with practicing his wall ball routine, help him get into the right mindset before every game.

To his teammates, Laith expresses pride in the culture they have built in the locker room: "It's something special I haven't seen at this school, and I know we're going to surprise a lot of people this year." And to his coaches, he offers gratitude: "I am so grateful to have you as coaches and mentors guiding us to become successful young men prepared for life's challenges."

Congratulations to Laith Sbitan on being named Player of the Week! His determination, leadership, and commitment to his team are setting a new standard at Lewis High School, and we look forward to seeing more from this exceptional player.