Starting football sophomore year

Question
Dear Coach,

I'm 15 and currently half way thru my freshman year of high school. I always wanted to play football, I've always played the madden games too. I play at school when it's not raining and I usually play WR or RB. Now, my question is... I considered playing WR next year for my high school's team, but I don't know if it's a good idea. I want to have playtime but I don't know if I'll be good enough. I've never played on a team in my life just with some friends. I'm 5'10 and weigh about 140. I  have very little arm muscle, but I plan on working out.

I also have other options. I wanted to play Lacrosse this year, because my sister's ex-boyfriend influenced me to. But my math teacher is a track coach, and I heard track is GREAT for receivers. Sad thing is, they're at the same time so I can't do both. I figured track would be great for my legs (although I've played soccer for 9 years straight (two seasons a year)), and I'd get quicker and more agile. But on the other hand, Lax would be good for arm strength and catching (not with my hands of course) and learning to be able to take a hit.

Thanks in advance! - Sean.

Answer
Sean -

Thanks for writing. Well buddy, I am not sure exactly what you are asking here, but I will give it a shot.  It really is up to you whether or not you'd like to try football.  It is a very tough sport, and will require a HUGE committment.  Most people do not realize how much you have to sacrifice to get on that field friday night.  Especially in your case, where it would be your first year.  Most athletes that choose football are very dedicated, and spend almost all year, every year working out, preparing, etc for the upcoming season.  So you will have to learn very quickly.  And football, contrary to popular opinion, is very difficult to learn properly.  It is extremely complicated, and will take a while for you to pick up on.  The basic offenses, defenses, play calls, patterns, blocking schemes, and so on...  You will need to get on this ASAP.  Also, you will have to not mind pain.  You WILL get dinged up playing, no matter how good you are.  So you will need to decide if you feel like playing a sport every day while hurting pretty bad.  

Basically, my best advice would be to get with the coach of your team, and ask him what he would like to see you do to get ready for the season.  I am sure he would be glad to speak with you.  

One more thing..  And believe me, I have said this to hundreds of people.  PLEASE! Do not take Madden as anything.  Actually, Madden Football will really screw you up, because it is very unrealistic, and it uses terminology that is either way off base from real life, or the play calls are way off base.  So if you do decide to go with this sport, try and forget everything you "learned" on Madden!

Best of luck, and let me know what you finally choose.

Best wishes

Coach Perl