Matteo Lortie, a rising senior at Livermore High School in Livermore, California, has been playing football for over 10 years. His journey through the sport began with an early fascination with its competitive nature, and as he progressed through the ranks, he developed a fierce drive to excel. As a quarterback, Matteo thrives on the intensity of competition and the opportunity to improve every day.
What Matteo enjoys most about football is the trust and respect that comes with being part of a team. For him, the camaraderie is key. As a quarterback, he relishes the chance to control the game, making quick decisions and leading his team through adversity. His ability to extend plays and stay calm under pressure are qualities that he believes define a great QB. “Being a strong leader, making quick decisions, and staying accurate in your playmaking are essential,” Matteo explains. “The ability to extend plays and keep a level head through the game is just as important.”
He looks up to Tom Brady, whose story of perseverance resonates deeply with Matteo. “Tom Brady’s work ethic, coming from being an underrated QB in high school and through the draft, is something I admire. His continued dedication to improve and his success in becoming one of the greatest of all time is something I strive for.”
Off the field, Matteo is just as dedicated. He’s played varsity lacrosse since his freshman year and enjoys spending time working on his car and going to church with friends. It’s clear that his well-rounded approach to life plays into his success on the field, where he’s focused on his development as a player.
Matteo’s journey to becoming the starting varsity QB was far from easy. As a sophomore, he was just 15 years old and weighed only 150 pounds, going up against 18-year-olds and 250-pound linemen. “Starting varsity as a sophomore was my biggest challenge,” he recalls. “I had to prove to the upperclassmen that I belonged there. It was a mental game at first. I had to adjust my thinking and be confident in my ability.” The struggle pushed Matteo to put in extra work, training in the offseason, working late nights, and constantly striving to be better.
His commitment to the sport is unwavering. In the offseason, Matteo focuses on building muscle, getting stronger, and improving his explosiveness. His training routine is rigorous, including private quarterback coaching, working with his receivers, and collaborating with his head coach to install new plays and improve his ability to read defenses. This dedication has paid off, and one of his most memorable moments came during the 2024 regular season when his team faced Moreau Catholic, the eventual state champions. After being down by 14 points, Matteo led his team to an incredible comeback, ultimately winning in overtime on the road. “It was one of the most memorable moments of my career, and it showed me that anything is possible when we work together.”
For Matteo, Friday night lights are a source of energy rather than intimidation. While some players may feel the weight of the crowds and the pressure of the moment, he embraces it. “I love playing in front of packed stands. When I’m on the field, it’s just me, my team, and the game. Nothing else matters.”
As Matteo prepares for his senior season, his goals are clear. In the short term, he is focused on becoming bigger, stronger, and faster, working with his QB coach to refine every aspect of his game. His long-term goal is to play college football at a competitive program, one that will challenge him to grow as a player and as a leader.
Matteo’s advice to younger athletes is simple: “Work hard, outwork others, and be tough—physically and mentally. If you put in the work, you can achieve anything.” With his drive, discipline, and leadership, Matteo Lortie is a rising star ready to make an impact both on and off the field.