By Marty Gordon
Curtis Altizer was the top defensive player for a Christiansburg High School team that finished one step away from a state championship opportunity.
“The playoffs were really hard. This program had grown so much since Coach (Alex) Wilkens got here,” the honoree said.
Altizer talled 128 tackles with 86 solos and two interceptions. For his effort, he has been named the 2022 all-county, all-city defensive player of the year. Additionally, he totaled 623 yards from his running back position and even played quarterback for five snaps this season. He scored four touchdowns on offense.
Earlier this week, the 5-10, 215 pound linebacker gave his own scouting report of himself.
“He (Altizer) is a hard guy to block, hard to take down and hard to tackle,” he said.
Almost every game this season, Altizer caught double-teams from opponents. He even saw three during this year’s Cave Spring contest. “It was tough, but I think it helped the team and other players to get their own tackles,” he said with a grin. In most cases, the double teams did not keep him from making life unsettling for opposing quarterbacks.
Altizer starting playing football at the age of five and would toss the rock around in the backyard with his brother, Travis, who graduated this past year from CHS.
“I’ve always wanted to play football. I just love to hit,” he said.
Altizer gained 20 pounds of muscle between his junior and senior season, and feels that will continue to help the Christiansburg program in the future.
He also served as the team’s punter playing eight kicks inside the 10-yard line this season and hopes to play football in college and possible major in physical therapy.