Highland Park senior Max Leon has grown by leaps and bounds as a football player since he made his debut in the sport a little more than three years ago.
The 5-foot-10, 215-pound Leon has worked diligently to become a player who can anchor an unsung offensive line. But his teamwide leadership behind the scenes has been no less impactful during what could be the Giants’ most successful regular season in nine years.
“On every team I’ve ever been a part of, I’ve always been very vocal, and that’s my role on this team,” Leon said. “Every good team I’ve been on plays with a certain energy, and I want to be that guy to help make that happen on this team.”
Leon, whose twin brother, Gabe, starts at middle linebacker, has succeeded even as he plays a position — left guard — that couldn’t be more anonymous to casual observers. He is anything but that when he sets the tone for the Giants, and that starts with small details which can go a long way.
“I’m really big on tempo, and that’s something I felt was an issue previously — even little things like how we act and line up in the huddle, things like not running up to the ball right away,” Leon said. “There are less side conversations in warmups. We’ve all put an emphasis on basic things that add up when things get tough during games.”
The sum of those efforts includes a Central Suburban North title and a playoff berth for Highland Park (6-2, 4-0), which will finish the regular season on the road at winless Maine East on Friday. The Giants haven’t won seven games in the regular season since 2016.
Leon and the other three team captains believed Highland Park had enough talent to take a big step forward after winning just three games last season. But Leon didn’t expect to outscore four conference opponents by a combined 142-20.
“We’re all definitely surprised by how dominant we’ve been,” he said. “I don’t know if the defensive starters have given up a point in conference. Last year we had a lot of juniors who have really developed this year, and on the offensive line the difference between the first day of summer camp and now is tremendous.”
Leon has helped put those pieces together.
“He definitely sets the standard for the whole team to follow,” Highland Park senior wide receiver Lucas Gordon said. “His voice is very reflective of the greater good of the team. He says what needs to be said when it needs to be said. He’s one of those guys that everyone likes.”
Leon is part of an offense that features plenty of talent at the skill positions, like junior quarterback Gustav Crane, sophomore running back John Boman and the prolific Gordon, who surpassed 2,000 career receiving yards during the Giants’ 28-0 win over Niles West last week.
But Highland Park’s secret sauce is an offensive line that had plenty of turnover since last season. Senior co-captain Constantine Soutsos moved from center to left tackle, Leon changed guard spots, right tackles rotated and newcomers were inserted at the other two positions.
“They play well together as a unit because of Max’s leadership up there,” Highland Park coach Anthony Kopp said. “We started to see it in the summer, him taking on a more vocal role. Our whole line is on the small side, and that’s the case for Max too. But he can pack a punch, and he’s smart and plays with good technique.”
Technique was Leon’s primary offseason focus. Knowing the playbook front and back has also been beneficial.
“Even last year, there were some plays that I didn’t entirely understand how to execute,” Leon said. “My technique is so much better, especially in pass protection. That’s the No. 1 thing I worked on, especially my footwork. My biggest improvement has been staying low. I had a big issue last year of standing up straight out of my stance coming off the ball.”
Leon and his brother Gabe began playing organized football as freshmen.
“Our mom was always against us playing, and I remember we had to have a long conversation with the coaches to start to play,” Leon said. “Gabe never even watched the NFL before, so I always used to explain things to him.
“I remember one time he got called for pass interference, and he was like, ‘Why is that a penalty?’ He was genuinely confused.”
Leon said their experience together has made a lasting impression.
“We definitely talk about football a lot and bonded over how it works,” he said. “We’ve gotten a lot closer because of the game of football.”
Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter.
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