Quijoun Gordon was voted Suffolk News-Herald Player of the Week after an enormous game against Western Branch High School.

Nansemond River High School’s football team has gotten off to a solid start this season. The team has picked up wins its last two games, with one of those wins coming against Western Branch.

That game was special for multiple reasons. The Warriors had the opportunity to spoil their homecoming, and it was a bittersweet moment for Coach Justin Conyers. He is an alumnus of Western Branch, but he had no problem watching what Gordon did to his former school.

Gordon finished the game with two interceptions and two touchdowns. For a little sugar on top, he added a two-point conversion.

“I feel like I played a good game, but there is always room for improvement,” he said. “I felt like the coaches prepared the team to win. They put me in the right place to make plays. It was a fun game.”

Gordon believes his senior season has been going well. He came into the season as a captain and has been wanting to make sure he is the best leader he can be for the team. Last season, Gordon was selected All-State. This season, he has given no statistical goals any thought. At the end of the day, he just wants to do what he can for the team to help get a win.

“My only goal is helping my team win,” he said. “If that means me having great stats, then that’s good, but football is a team sport, so I don’t focus on me. I got nominated for Player of the Week because my teammates helped me be able to make plays.”

The game of football itself motivates Gordon. He has been playing since he was 6 years old. His family inspires him, and he works hard on and off the field for them.

Nansemond River’s team has often talked about its journey to get back to the state playoffs. With Gordon being a big part of the team at the regional championship last year, he knows it’s not going to be easy. The team approach this season has just been to take each game one week at a time.

“It’s a great goal every year,” Gordon said of trying to become a champion. “The best way to get there this year is by taking it one game at a time.”