Pope John Paul II senior Andrew Morse is a two-sport athlete, playing soccer and football. Morse also handles himself in the classroom. He’s taking three honors classes, English, calculus and physics and has a grade point average above 3.5.

This soccer season, he is a striker after spending three years as a defender. With his new position, he has made a big impact, scoring 15 goals and dishing out 15 assists.

He has helped his soccer team post an 8-6-2 record. Morse made second-team all-district his first three seasons.

Andrew Morse

PJP soccer coach Jack Mills talked about Morse.

“This year has been unbelievably great,” Mills said. “He’s the leader of the team. He has really matured and I think he’s ready to take the next step, which is college.”

Mills also said Morse is the Jaguars’ best player.

“He leads by example,” Mills said. “He has the best skills on the team. Andrew’s very unselfish. He’s just as happy to set up a play as he is to score a goal.”

On the gridiron, Morse was a punter. He was also a wide receiver until this season when he was moved to defensive back.

As a punter, he averaged 44.2 yards per punt and was named second-team all-district. Defensively, he recorded 25 solo tackles, four assists, while recovering three fumbles, causing two and breaking up a pair of passes.

PJP went 5-4 in the regular season and made the playoffs. The year came to a close with a 21-20-overtime loss against Episcopal of Baton Rouge when the Jaguars decided to go for the win, down by one.

PJP coach Mark Jeanmard, who recently completed his first season with the Jags, said Morse was a pleasure to coach.

“He never missed practice. On the field, he took care of his business. He also carried out punt fakes to keep drives going. He could change field position with his punting. He was an unsung hero,” Jeanmard said.

What do you enjoy most about playing your sports? I like the team effort that goes on and I like team dedication. I also like the atmosphere of sports. I don’t know where I’d be without sports.

What do you like best about being a student athlete? I like going to school knowing that at 2:45 I get to go outside and play the sports I like.

Do you feel an added responsibility of being a role model as a student athlete? Yes, definitely because at the school, especially the freshmen and sophomores, look up to you for being a student athlete.

Most memorable game/accomplishment in sports? I was on a U13 Slidell Youth Soccer Club team that won a state championship in 2004. We were the Swampdogs.

Morse said he scored a goal in the title match.

Who has been the most influential person in your school sports career? Northshore soccer coach Ryan Lazaroe because he’s the one that really got me to stick with soccer throughout my high-school career.

Morse also said Lazaroe is a really good friend. He added that Lazaroe took over his U14 team and helped him get into the Olympic Development Program.

Who is your favorite athlete? National Football League Hall of Famer and former Chicago Bears’ running back Walter Payton.

Favorite team? Baltimore Ravens.

What is your favorite subject in school? Calculus.

Plans after high school/college major? I’m considering either LSU or Spring Hill College. Morse said he’s undecided on a major.

Favorite sports movie/ TV show/actor/actress? “Remember the Titans,” “House.” Keanu Reeves and Angelina Jolie.

Favorite type of music? Rock or rap.

Favorite food dish? McDouble from McDonalds.

Best vacation? We went to Gulf Shores, Ala. last summer. It was with a bunch of my friends, including football teammates Michael Felder, Chris Jeansonne and Tyler Martin.

Best thing about living on the Northshore? I like the fact that it’s smaller and you know a lot of people.

Hobbies/interests/volunteering: Doing everything I can with my friends. I also enjoy working out and playing Xbox 360. I’m doing service hours for the school at Our Lady of Lourdes.

Parents: Dan and Shawn Morse of Slidell.