By Ed Morrone

For the Times

Aaron Wilmer has always had a knack for leading.

And now it's time to guide his teammates again.

The George Washington High School quarterback is attempting to get back to the state playoffs again, a year after his Eagles lost to eventual champion Bethlehem Liberty in the PIAA state quarterfinals.

Wilmer, a senior, was the quarterback of that triumphant team, and knowing that each game could be his last, the Eagles' captain tries to inspire his teammates every time they step on the field.

"I said something in the locker room before the game to the seniors that this could be our last game together," Wilmer explained after Washington cruised to a 42-0 win last Friday over South Philadelphia High School in the Public League AAAA quarterfinals. "They kind of looked at me like I was Aristotle and that I had said something great. You just never know when it could be your last game, so I always try to go out there, have fun and give all that I've got."

So far, that's been plenty for Washington.

Wilmer, a four-year player for the Eagles, has been the team's starting quarterback for the last two seasons. He has guided his squad to a 16-4 record, including league and city championships last season. Although the Eagles fell in the state playoffs, Wilmer had a solid season, completing more than 50 percent of his passes, throwing for 17 touchdowns and scoring six himself on the ground.

He's picking up where he left off.

Through eight games, Wilmer has completed almost 58 percent of his passes, with 15 touchdown throws and five rushing scores.

"We only throw seven or eight times a game, so I want to try to complete every one of them," said Wilmer, who threw two touchdowns and ran for another in the win over South Philly. "Being a quarterback is a tough job, but it's one that I love. When you do well, people carry you off the field like a king, but when you do poorly, everyone is on your back. Playing quarterback has helped me become a strong person, on and off the field."

It certainly helps that Wilmer - who also plays third base and pitches for Washington's baseball team - has a tremendous amount of help on his offensive line.

The line is anchored by a trio of seniors: center Hafuz Tahiraj, tackle Abdel Kaman and guard Sharrif Floyd, a two-way starter who is rated as one of the top defensive tackles in the country.

"Knowing that my offensive line will protect me is the best feeling in the world," Wilmer said. "We're a pretty close-knit family and we've really got a good grasp of who we are as football players and as people. This is a team sport, and we certainly have that togetherness that every team strives for."

If anything, the Eagles are a team on a mission and Wilmer is smack-dab in the middle of it all, a fact that has not gone unnoticed.

"He's one of the best I've ever had, if not the best," veteran George Washington coach Ron Cohen said. "He's a true leader and just a real head's-up football player. He knows that if he was on another team he might throw the ball more, but that's one thing about Aaron. He'll sacrifice himself for the team."

The Eagles will be in action on Friday against Bartram in the Public League AAAA semifinals. If anything is evident, it's that Wilmer and his Washington teammates are focused on finishing what they started last year. This would explain why they gather at one another's houses, with no coaches present, so they can discuss ways to address what few weaknesses they may have.

"We all hang out, but the coolest thing is that we're still getting to know each other," explained Wilmer, who lives around the corner from Washington High School. "I really think this team has what it takes to play for a state championship."

Wilmer's confidence is contagious, and his skills and attitude should allow him to thrive at the next level. He already has an unofficial offer from Fordham University, but he would prefer to wait until the season is over to decide his future. After all, why would Wilmer be in a rush when all he cares about is the moment, right now?

"Man, I don't know what comes next," Wilmer said. "If football and baseball don't work out, I don't know what I'll be doing, but whatever it is I just want to have fun. I just want to live in the moment and keep hanging out with these guys."

If anything is certain, it's that the senior-laden Eagles are going to enjoy every moment they have left together. With the team led by their resident philosopher under center, it's hard to imagine many teams in the city getting in the way of Washington's determination to get back to the state playoffs.

"We'll go as far as Aaron takes us," Cohen said. "He wants to win and he works very hard. He's the captain of the ship. He knows it and the kids know it."

Reporter Ed Morrone can be reached at edward.morrone@gmail.com