Last season, the then-Belton sophomore was in line to compete for the starting quarterback position until an unknown named David Ash transferred from Academy and denied Paysse a varsity spot.
While usually sitting in the bleachers, Paysse watched Ash solidify his grip on the position, write his name all over the school record books and blossom into the No. 1-ranked quarterback in Texas for the 2011 recruiting class, according to the Rivals' Web site Orangebloods.com.
"If David Ash hadn't moved here a year and a half ago, Jonathan Paysse would be the starting quarterback" is a phrase Belton coach Rodney Southern - whose team plays Copperas Cove at 7:30 Friday night at Bulldawg Stadium - has uttered ad nauseum.
With Ash being in the same grade, Paysse said the thought of whether he'd ever get a chance to lead the Tigers rolled through his mind all the time.
What luck, huh?
"It kind of (stunk) at first," Paysse said, "but he's such a great guy that I never really had much of a problem with it."
What makes it tougher is several observers believe Paysse has the talent to start for at least half of the teams in District 12-5A. At Belton (6-0 overall, 3-0 in 12-5A), though, the quarterback position appears to be filled through next season, so Paysse kept waiting.
"If you're a backup defensive lineman or offensive lineman you've always got a shot at playing," Southern said. "If you're the backup quarterback it's the one position on the football team that really stinks.
"He's a smart kid. We've told him from Day 1, 'You never know when you might be the guy who's got to lead the charge in the biggest game of the year.'"
That opportunity finally came last Friday against College Station A&M Consolidated.
With Ash unable to play after suffering a high ankle sprain against Killeen Shoemaker, Paysse assumed the role he'd been anticipating.
The junior managed Belton's simplified offense to perfection in the Tigers' 28-0 domination of Consol.
"I really wasn't too nervous throughout the week. It was just kind of another week," said Paysse, who had played as a backup during the first five games and the 2008 season opener against Ennis. "Friday, I had a little nerves and butterflies kick in before the game. I was really excited more than nervous - just to get the chance to play. That's been my dream."
On the ninth play of Belton's initial drive, Paysse completed his first pass of the night, a 16-yarder to Kenny Shuler, to convert on third-and-5. Later he hit Jeff Lepak on the sideline for a first down and eventually found a wide-open Anthony Huber on a 19-yard score for a 7-0 lead.
After the touchdown, Paysse ran to the end zone and tapped Huber, who was being held up by lineman Cooper Smith, on the head in celebration.
For the night, Paysse completed eight of 22 attempts for 113 yards and two touchdowns, with an interception on a Hail Mary attempt to end the first half.
Most important, Paysse's record as a starter was 1-0.
"It felt pretty amazing. It was just fun being out there. It was a blast," he said.
Paysse's ability to step in and keep the Tigers afloat can't be overlooked considering the number of injuries to starting quarterbacks in the district.
Temple and Harker Heights are playing with their backups. Killeen Shoemaker was forced to turn to backup Darrien Nicholas to start the season after regular starter Jameill Showers injured his collarbone in a preseason scrimmage. After Showers wasn't cleared by doctors Wednesday to play and will likely miss the rest of the season, and Nicholas was hurt last week, the Grey Wolves may turn to their junior varsity signal-caller.
And Consol has used four quarterbacks already and will debut two more this week.
With Ash a game-time decision for Friday, Paysse likely will be in charge again and he's going to soak up every moment until Belton's ringleader is healthy and he's sent back to the backup role.
He's kept a positive outlook on the situation by concentrating on his other sports - baseball and golf - to consume his time.
When asked if he was dealt an unfortunate hand in life, Paysse shrugged his shoulders, suggesting a helpless "Oh well" response, then said: "But that's just how it worked out."
It seems Paysse's patience is finally rewarding him now.
