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By Carey Reeder | Managing Editor

Verbena High School’s Jacob Morris is this week’s athlete of the week for Sept. 6-12 following his performance against Keith High School on Sept. 6. Morris has always run hard, but the senior running back’s newfound determination has the Red Devils off to a great 2-0 start this season. Verbena head coach Allen Brothers is equally impressed by Morris’ maturity on the field, and his ability to reign in his competitive side.

Morris would find himself in situations in the past where his competitive nature led to some unsportsmanlike penalties. This season, Morris has yet to pick one up, and Brothers has seen him grow out of that and focus in on the task at hand each play.

“I am super impressed just in the growth of who he is as a player,” Brothers said. “He has handled the ball like he needs to, and is turning into a good leader for us building up some of the young guys. He amazes me that when we need a big play, he gets it. He knows this is his last year and he is trying to make the very best he can of it. So far, it has been good.”

Morris’ determination was showcased during the game against Keith when Verbena was faced with a fourth down and seven around midfield. The coaching staff decided to go for it, and Morris extended the drive easily with a hard 12 yards out of Verbena’s power set.

Morris’ final stats against Keith were 145 yards on 18 carries and three touchdowns. Morris and Verbena are off to a great start to land him in the Class 1A state playoffs in his final season.

 

Kaden Tuttle, Isabella High School

 The Mustangs may have fallen short on the road at Class 2A top-10 Sulligent High School on Sept. 6, but defensive back Kaden Tuttle was everywhere on defense throughout the game. The junior tallied a career-high 20 tackles seemingly sticking his nose into the fray every play. Tuttle accounted for all of Isabella’s receptions, pulling in all 41 yards on three catches. He also carried the ball seven times for 31 yards.