This week’s West Chicago Community High School Wildcat of the Week is none other than varsity quarterback Carter Naranjo. Now a senior in the 2025-2026 school year, We interviewed Carter last year. Here’s a look back at that interview, We’ll be interviewing him again this year so stay tuned!
from last year…
Carter has quickly made a name for himself as a standout leader on the field, showcasing both his athletic talent and strong work ethic. With an impressive performance that helped lead the Wildcats to their first 2-0 start since 2003, Carter has become a key player in the team’s success. We caught up with Carter to learn more about his journey, his role as quarterback, and his goals for the season in this week’s Q & A.
1.) My favorite part of playing West Chicago Football would have to be the relationships I’ve built throughout the years. I have met a lot of good friends and coaches that have helped me excel as a person and player.
2.) On gameday I usually listen to music the whole day, it starts with some slow music during school to just stay calm for the game. Once it gets closer to gametime I listen to more up tempo music so that I can have energy for the game. After the coin toss and before we play I pray and visualize how the game is going to go and how I will perform personally.
3.) I’d say my biggest inspiration is my mom because she sacrifices a lot for me and my siblings and shows me what hard work is. I have never really looked up to anyone on the football field but my mom has always shown me how to carry myself in a positive way and always be the best version of myself.
4.) I play quarterback, which was new for me my freshman year but I enjoy it a lot. I’d say I like the leadership that comes with it, the responsibility that comes with leading your guys and setting an example for everyone is tough but it gives you something to work for and I like that aspect of it.
5.) When I’m not playing football, I like to listen to music and/or play video games like NCAA, Madden and other sports games because it is calming and it also allows me to have fun with my friends in a different way.
6.) If I could have dinner with any athlete it would be Kyrie Irving. Kyrie has always been my favorite athlete ever, especially when I played basketball and he is the reason I wear 2. I would like to ask Kyrie how he balances his personal life and basketball and as well as how he keeps his personal beliefs so strong even when everyone might not agree with them.
7.) My favorite part of being a student athlete at Wego would have to be the people and teachers. A lot of teachers are really big supporters of what the football team has going on and ask about the games and stuff. Most of the students are also supportive and show up to games like the last that are even an hour away.
8.) I balance school and football pretty well. I take a study hall during the school day so that I can do all of my homework during that time and still have time for myself and football after football. I would suggest everyone to take a study hall so that you can catch up on work and take care of extra things you have in school.
9.) I can’t play without taking time to myself and thinking and putting myself into a good mindset. As a Quarterback I must stay calm all game so it helps me have a calm mind the whole game and not have to worry about anything else going on.
10.) Advice I’d give younger kids that want to play football on the varsity level is to work. Work harder than everyone else, no matter how small, or slow, or whatever it may be you have to keep going and keep trying to be the best that you can be. Don’t compare yourself to other players around you, even though it is hard not to, you have to worry about yourself and make sure you’re doing the things you need to do to be the best for your team. I would also say that playing your role is very important as well. You have to realize that not everyone is gonna score 15 touchdowns a year and even though your stats might not show certain things you can still impact a game in a big way.
