Offensive Player of the Week:
Justin Shepherd – Bonner-Prendie – BP – Senior
With a 9-for-10 efficiency, Shepherd had easy pickings as his team frolicked over Bartram, 53-8, in the D-12 4A Final. Thrice found the end zone on passes hitting three different receivers and ended with 161 yards passing. Shepherd had made the most of his opportunities this season. He now has 18 passing TDs on just 57 completions. Good for almost a 1:3 ratio.
Defensive Player of the Week:
Josiah Trotter – St. Joseph’s Prep – LB – Senior
After getting injured early in the Hawk’s first game, then missing about a month of play, the talented Trotter has gradually worked himself into mid-season form. I think he’s there now. In the Hawk’s closer-than-expected, 21-13, win over LaSalle in the PCL 6A title game he was seemingly everywhere. Trotter finished with 19 total tackles (13 solos; 2 TFLs) in the game. His speed and advanced instincts were on full display in helping the Hawks hold the Explorers to 111 yards of offense; including just 38 yards on the ground on 30 carries.
Special Teams Player of the Week:
Shawn Battle – Neumann-Goretti – MP – Senior
The Saints’ top playmaker was on full display this past Saturday during his team’s resounding, 52-0, victory over KIPP Charter in the D-12 3A title game. Not once, but twice Battle reached paydirt on punt returns. His 45 and 39-yard returns were done with ease, as he patiently waited before slicing his way downfield with relative ease. The Saints will need additional big plays from Battle in upcoming games if they hope to advance in the 3A state playoffs.
