After being on district-winning team for two consecutive seasons, Whitehall linebacker/running back Carter Troxell has continued to adopt a simple and low-key outlook.

It also has been a role reversal for the two-time district Class 5A champs.

“We just take it day-by-day and game-by-game,” said the senior. “We have been working really hard during the summer, and we want to have the mindset of an underdog.

“We just want to work as hard as we can every day, and not look ahead at this point.”

Troxell credited second-year head coach Andy Marino with quickly making a solidifying presence with his team.

“With new coaches, we didn’t know what to expect at first,” reflected Troxell. “In the beginning, it was rough because a lot of new things in place.

“But we soon were able to play well under him. We made the switch pretty quickly. We followed his sating of taking one game at a time.”

Troxell began playing football at the age of six, and his father, Todd, who coached him through eighth grade.

He began his career as a lineman, but high school brought the transition to a running back and linebacker.

One of his favorite memories was returning a pick-six 80 yards from his linebacker spot against Allentown Central Catholic as well as an overtime victory over longtime nemesis Parkland.

On offense, Carter was the team’s second leading rusher last season, gaining 496 yards and scoring five touchdowns.

His goals for the 2024 season are simple.

“My goals this season might seem crazy, but I want to be the best linebacker in the state,” said Troxell. “I want to show everyone what’s possible with hard work and dedication.

“I’ll be the main running back this year, and it is really exciting. I just doing more drill to help me with my speed and agility. I have been doing a lot more field work as well.”

Next year, Troxell would like to continue his football career, and he has some initial feelers from Cornell University and the University of Pennsylvania. He would like to pursue a career in business.

Despite a Week 1 loss, Troxell was anxious to get the season started.

“I’m anxious to hit someone,” beamed Troxell. “We’re ready to get going. We feel we have gained more respect, but we still have a way to go.”

And Carter and his teammates will take it one game at a time.