Be it by work or by word, Vinton’s James Planchard is a leader for the 4-1 Lions.

The three-year starter has been calling the shots as captain of the defense for three years, and has emerged as a team leader over the course of his career.

Vinton head coach Tarius Davis said Planchard is a role model for the program.

“Last year he was an all-district kid,” Davis said. “He is dependable, very studious about the game. He is not the most athletic, but when you watch him play you say ‘That’s a football player.’ He works hard, does things the right way.

“When you come into a program and try to change the culture, you need those types of kids. That way everybody sees the right way to do things. They learn that if they do those things they can be a good player.”

While the Lions feature stars such as running back James McMillon and defensive back/receiver Anfernee Dixon, Planchard has assumed a leadership role over the past few years.

“He does it on and off the field,” Davis said. “He is a kid that exemplifies what you are looking for when you are trying to build a program. From the beginning he has been the one who calls and gets the team together when something needs to be done. He has been the leader behind the scenes even though some of the other kids get more attention.

“Sometimes there is a misconception that you have to be a star player or be a senior to assume that type of role. When things need to get done, he can get them done even though he is not the marquee guy on the field all the time. He is a special player.”

Planchard said he speaks up when needed.

“I try to be a leader; (I) have been calling plays since I was a sophomore,” Planchard said. “It was kind of hard at first but I grew into it. We had D.J. Reed, a good running back, who spoke to the team pretty well when I was younger. He was a good leader. I like to set an example by the way I play and get vocal if needed. If someone is trying to fight us during a game, I tell the guys to not hit back, to take it for the team, be a good teammate.”

Planchard said he gets help in leading the team.

“We have Anfernee, the leading receiver in the district,” he said. “He is a free safety on defense and is really good. Coach Davis is a good, motivational coach.”

Planchard also plays both ways, seeing time at running back on offense.

“It is interesting. I just do whatever I can to help the team,” he said of playing running back. “I prefer defense since that is my main position, but I like offense too.”

Planchard said he enjoys playing alongside his new partner at linebacker.

“We are doing pretty good,” Planchard said. “We have a good front line and linebacker in Dakota Marcantel. He is smart and gets through the line good. I think I see the field well. I watch so much film that I can guess what they are about to run. When I watch film I am looking for how they line up, what they run, how they come off the ball.“

Vinton reached the quarterfinals in last year’s Class 2A playoffs. Planchard said that run has helped the team this season.

“They say winning is contagious,” he said. “I think it has motivated everyone to work hard this year, to push and get that victory.”(Rick Hickman/American Press)