We play for George.

That’s the mantra you’ll hear repeated by just about every member of the Elk River football program. They use those four words to sum up the impact of the Elks’ motivational leader.

“He’s the glue of this team,” Coach Steve Hamilton said.

“He’s the face of Elk River football,” defensive back Nate Collins added.

Any time Elk River has needed a big play late in the fourth quarter, or a second wind while running sprints in practice, or a quick pick-me-up after a tough loss, the team has leaned on senior George Nameny.

“He motivates all of us,” linebacker Zac Sypherson said. “We play for George.”

Nameny, a 6-foot defensive lineman, has gotten on the field in just two of six games so far this season. He’s made one tackle.

For Nameny, it’s not about numbers and statistics, though, or about limitations. He has fragile X syndrome, a genetic condition that causes intellectual and physical disabilities. It’s the genetic marker for autism.

But it hasn’t stopped him from being on the field every day, helping push Elk River (5-1) to a strong start this fall.

“He just loves the game and he loves his teammates,” Hamilton said. “And the kids love him. They play for him.”

Passionate leader

Nameny attempted an extra point in a game last season, his only time touching the field as a junior. He enjoys kicking, he said, but much prefers his role on the defensive line.

“It’s fun,” Nameny said of football. “All the boys, we’re just having fun — flying around and having fun.”

“I love football,” he added. “Football is a great sport.”

His passion is obvious to anyone who happens to be near his team in a game or practice. Nameny will be the first to celebrate a good play or try to lift up a teammate after a rough one.

“He’s just nonstop energy,” Hamilton said.

He often gives pep talks before games or at halftime.

“He just inspires us, day in and day out,” Collins said. “His attitude about everything is just amazing.”

‘Just a game’

Every Elk River practice ends the same way, with Nameny kicking extra points.

It’s a ritual that’s become a rallying point for the Elks over the last two seasons.

“The kids love it. They go crazy every time he makes one,” Hamilton said. “If practice is ever dragging, George is the one who picks everyone up. We’ve talked as coaches, ‘What are we going to do without him when he leaves next year?’ It’s going to be so quiet without him.”

Hamilton said Nameny helps give his players a better perspective on the sport, reminding them that “it’s just a game.”

“That’s what I love about this game, because nothing is ever easy,” Hamilton said. “You learn from that.”

Nameny simply wants the Elks to keep winning, he said, and have the season go as long as possible, whether he gets back on the field again or not.

“We know that he can’t be out there with us all the time,” Collins said. “We play to get him out there. Every play is for him. We play for George.”