Tim Vizzi It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what Tim Vizzi was going to do once he arrived at Moorpark High.

Both of Vizzi's brothers, Chris and Matt, played wide receiver at Moorpark. When Tim Vizzi was 9 years old, he began watching his older siblings play football at MHS and knew immediately that he wanted to follow in their footsteps.

Now a 17-year-old senior, Tim Vizzi is doing just that.

"Ever since I was little, I couldn't wait to play varsity football at Moorpark," Vizzi said.

"I went to all the games to cheer on my brothers, and I even was a ball boy for a little while. I always wanted to play under the lights on Fridays."

Vizzi finally got a chance to showcase his football skills on the big stage as a junior by starting at wide receiver as well as safety.

"The first time I ever played in a game I was on defense," Vizzi said. "I had a really nervous feeling in my stomach, but then I made a tackle on a run play and that helped me get rid of the jitters."

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers HE'S GOT GAME—Moorpark High senior wideout/defensive back Tim Vizzi runs a pass route during Wednesday's practice session. Vizzi wasn't just a solid contributor on defense in '07; he was also one of the main weapons in the Musketeers' passing game.

Last year, his 430 receiving yards and four touchdowns were second on the team to Ryan Murry, who has since graduated.

Vizzi remembers the first time he scored a touchdown on the varsity team very well.

"My first score was at home against Ventura," Vizzi said. "It was right after halftime. I ran a 70-yard streak, and I remember it was such an adrenaline rush. To have helped the team and to go crazy in the end zone was really something."

MHS head coach Tim Lins had a feeling Vizzi would be a solid wide receiver after having coached both of his older brothers.

"Tim follows in a line of very good receivers in his family," Lins said. "I'm sure he had the benefit of always learning from them while growing up. He's a very good routerunner and has gotten faster and stronger as the years have gone by."

While growing up, Vizzi always received advice from his two brothers.

"The best thing they ever told me was to always keep your eyes on what you want to do," Vizzi said. "Don't let anyone tell you there's something you can't do."

In two games this season, it seems like there isn't much Vizzi can't do on offense.

The senior has caught 12 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns as the Musketeers have compiled a 1-1 record.

He's also become more of a team leader.

Vizzi "gets the team concept," Lins said. "He's always prepared, and he always finds a way to be ready when we need him. As a senior, he's now one of our captains, and he's become more of a vocal leader."

Becoming vocal on the field isn't the only thing that has changed this year for Vizzi. With longtime Musketeer quarterback Adam Barry having graduated, the senior wide receiver is now catching balls from a new quarterback—junior Brian Blechen.

"It's a little different playing with Brian," Vizzi said. "He's more of a scrambler and can throw on the run at any time, so you always have to run hard until you hear the whistle because he can deliver the ball to you at any moment."

Vizzi takes pride in knowing his brothers are now in the stands to watch him play.

"My brothers actually live together in Newport Beach, but they still make the hourandahalfdrive to see me play," Vizzi said.

"Their support is one of the best things about home games. I can always hear them cheering for me."

Vizzi and Moorpark will play on the road tonight at Ventura. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.