The best examples of leadership often come through sacrifice.

David White did have another motive for altering his football world a year ago – the opportunity for playing time.

But the Foxcroft Academy senior’s willingness to shift from a football existence spent at quarterback or fullback to the no-glory world of the offensive line in 2005 spoke of many things – his love of the game, the need to compete, and an understanding of team needs.

And like most linemen who dedicate their athleticism to enabling others to gather headlines, White grew to appreciate the anonymity of the offensive guard.

“It didn’t seem like it would be a lot of fun,” said White, “but once you get in there and do it, the line can be really fun. You don’t get any credit, but sometimes as a lineman you feed off not getting any credit. It’s like they don’t give us any credit, but your team gives you credit because they know without the line nobody goes anywhere.”

White caught on quickly and earned second-team all-conference honors while helping the Ponies with the Eastern Maine Class C championship.

But while White’s desire to play led him into the trenches as a junior, this fall his heart brought him back to the backfield. During a conversation with Foxcroft coach Paul Withee last summer, White sought the chance to play quarterback again.

“He asked for the opportunity,” said Withee, “and I felt it was only fair to give him that opportunity.”

White already was working out and running daily and was on a diet that ultimately helped him drop 30 pounds and make the physical switch from guard to quarterback.

He quickly earned the starting job once practices began in mid-August. Now, three months later, he will lead the Ponies into another state final as the Ponies face Lisbon on Saturday in Portland.

“I’ve been happy with the way I’ve played,” said White, who completed 54 percent of his passes during the regular season with six touchdowns and no interceptions.

“I just try and go out and do the best I can do for the team. I don’t try to do too much. Coach just tells me just to lead the team down the field, and that’s what I try to do every time.”

Withee, for one, has respected the work White has done in making a second transition in as many years.

“I’m pleased with his effort and the things he’s done and the commitment he’s made to make himself a better player,” said Withee.

And as White made steady progress during his offensive line odyssey last year, so, too, has his progress behind center been steady this fall.

“If I watch myself on film now compared to the beginning of the season, I’m like ‘wow,'” said White. “I was just watching film the other day, and some of the things I do now are so much better than the things I did last week.”

Perhaps White’s comfort zone at quarterback should come as no surprise. White’s family is steeped in Foxcroft football tradition, including at quarterback where his dad, Jere White, and uncle, Dave “Hawk” Anderson, both started for the Ponies.

David White’s path to starting QB likely was a bit more circuitous but has been no less rewarding – particularly if he can guide Foxcroft to a state title in his final game.

“Football’s based on leadership,” White said, “The quarterback has the most responsibility on the field, and I’ve always loved the idea of being a leader.”

Ernie Clark may be reached at 990-8045, 1-800-310-8600 or eclark@bangordailynews.net