BHHS Star Safety Looks to Next Season and Beyond

Throwing the football over the middle of the field against Beverly's defense is a tough play for opponents with A.J. Fortier looming in the secondary.

Nevertheless, wide receivers and tight ends have consistently challenged the 6-foot-1, 180-pound safety over the past three years.

Fortier has made them pay.

"I've seen A.J. dish out some punishment and make all kinds of interceptions and these guys keep coming back for more. They never seem to learn,'' said Don Paysinger, head coach of Beverly Hills High School's varsity football program. "A.J. understands the game. He knows what he's supposed to do. He knows what his teammates are supposed to do. He's our quarterback on the defensive side of the ball, a true leader.''

That was never more evident than in June and July when Fortier led the Normans in passing tournaments at Arroyo Grande and Los Alamitos. He also played well at the Conejo Valley Classic and made a strong impression when BHHS hosted a tournament earlier this summer.

"Each time I step out on the field, I feel more comfortable with my role,'' Fortier said. "I'm at the point where I feel like I can make an impact on any play against any team out there. That's not being cocky, it's being confident.''

Fortier has been a steady contributor for Beverly since he was a freshman. He initially played on the junior varsity team, but at mid-season he moved up to the varsity level and saw action in three games.

Fortier's role expanded during his sophomore season. In six games, he averaged 5.8 tackles. His breakout effort included an eye-opening 13 stops against Desert Hot Springs.

More was expected of him as junior and Fortier delivered, racking up 60 tackles, six pass deflections and one interception.

He has yet to get much attention from college recruiters, but a strong senior season could change that. He certainly will have opportunities to make an impression, with college coaches tailing teammate Greg Townsend Jr., who is the son of retired, 13-year NFL veteran Greg Townsend.

The younger Townsend, a 6-foot-4, 260-pound senior defensive lineman, is one of the more sought-after recruits in the nation with scholarship offers from several schools, including USC and Tennessee.

"It's just a matter of time before A.J. gets his. He's a great football player. No one on our team hits harder than him. No one makes more picks," Townsend Jr. said. "With me up in the front on the line of scrimmage and him in the back as the last line of defense, we make things hard on the other team. It's tough for people to stop us both on every down, every game. It can't be done.''

Boise State and Idaho have shown interest in Fortier, as have a couple of Pac-10 schools.

"I take pride in being physical and making game-changing plays, whether that's a big hit or an interception,'' Fortier said. "My job is to set the tone, let people know we can't be pushed around. My teammates feed off that energy.''