Lukas Gonzales has always been blessed with a strong leg.
But the former Model High standout has now developed the blue-collar work ethic that has resulted in making him a deadly weapon for the Shorter College football team.
And the combination of the two once again gained immediate notice by the Mid-South Conference which on Monday named Gonzales its Special Team Player of the Week in the wake of the junior’s game-winning 50-yard field goal in a come-from-behind 30-21 victory in the Hawks’ season opener Saturday night on the road against Brevard (N.C.) College.
“It didn’t surprise me,” Shorter coach Phil Jones said of Gonzales’ kick that came with six seconds left in the game. “He has worked so hard all year with his kicking.
“We knew all along that he has a natural leg ability, but now I think his biggest asset is his hard work.”
In addition to his long field goal — holder Dylan Kelly set up the kick by scooping up a low, grounded snap — Gonzales also hit all three of his extra point attempts, and as the Hawks’ punter averaged 45 yards on five punts.
Gonzales entered the season having already made a name for himself in the conference, earning first-team All-Mid South honors as a place-kicker and second team recognition as a punter in 2006.
“I’m proud that his hard work has paid off for Lukas,” Jones said, “and I’m proud of the way the team kept coming back. It was a phenomenal game.”
The Hawks return to action Saturday with a second-straight test on the road when Shorter heads to Tuscaloosa, Ala., to face Stillman College in a game starting at 6 p.m. (EDT).
The Mid-South also named Virginia-Wise quarterback Randy Hippeard, who passed for 564 yards and six touchdowns in a 61-55 victory over North Greenville, as its Offensive Player of the Week, while Cumberlands safety Brian Abshire was the Defensive Player of the Week after he had 10 tackles (7 solo) and a 58-yard interception for a touchdown is a 24-19 win over Union.
|
No Related links found
|
