Post by Aggie One on Dec 25, 2008 12:21:17 GMT -5
www.news-record.com/content/2008/12/25/article/dudleyaposs_ricky_lewis_all_area_football_player_of_the_year
Dudley's Ricky Lewis All-Area Football Player of the YearThursday, December 25
By Tom Keller, Staff Writer
Dudley offensive coordinator Antonio Kirkpatrick said he's never coached a player who meant as much to a team as Ricky Lewis did to the Panthers this season.
"As a coach, you'd love to take credit," Kirkpatrick said. "But sometimes, you just have to sit there and be a fan, just sit there and be part of something special."
Lewis, a near-unanimous choice by local coaches as All-Area Player of the Year, finished his career 22-0 as a starter, led Dudley to its first undefeated season and delivered a second consecutive 3-AA title to the Panthers faithful.
"Coming off the year he had once he was put in the starting role, a lot of kids would tend to fall back," coach Steven Davis said. "But he stayed very consistent."
Lewis escaped defenders in every conceivable way en route to 2,144 rushing yards -- almost nine per carry or about 1.2 miles. He also had 33 touchdowns on the ground, meaning he outscored half the teams in his conference by himself. And despite chirping that the converted running back didn't have the arm to lead an offense, Lewis completed more than 70 percent of his passes (94-of-134) for 1,424 yards and 11 TDs.
"When he'd make a mistake in practice, he'd always say, 'Coach, let's do it again,' " Kirkpatrick said. "He always wanted to end on a high note."
When Lewis fell to the ground with a knee injury in the opening minutes of the title game, most eyes on the Dudley sidelines turned toward the heavens, including Kirkpatrtick's.
"Your heart stops for a second," Kirkpatrick said. "You don't think he's going to end his career like that."
Of course it wouldn't. Three plays later, Lewis sprang off the trainer's table and hobbled back on the field. He went on to run for 160 yards and earn title game MVP honors for the second time.
"It was about the game," Lewis said, "not me."
He says his two most likely college destinations are N.C. A&T and Winston-Salem State. He's doing his senior project on how to make it to the NFL.
"It was fun," Lewis said. "I'd do it all again."
Contact Tom Keller at 373-7031 or tom.keller @news-record.com
Dudley's Ricky Lewis All-Area Football Player of the YearThursday, December 25
By Tom Keller, Staff Writer
Dudley offensive coordinator Antonio Kirkpatrick said he's never coached a player who meant as much to a team as Ricky Lewis did to the Panthers this season.
"As a coach, you'd love to take credit," Kirkpatrick said. "But sometimes, you just have to sit there and be a fan, just sit there and be part of something special."
Lewis, a near-unanimous choice by local coaches as All-Area Player of the Year, finished his career 22-0 as a starter, led Dudley to its first undefeated season and delivered a second consecutive 3-AA title to the Panthers faithful.
"Coming off the year he had once he was put in the starting role, a lot of kids would tend to fall back," coach Steven Davis said. "But he stayed very consistent."
Lewis escaped defenders in every conceivable way en route to 2,144 rushing yards -- almost nine per carry or about 1.2 miles. He also had 33 touchdowns on the ground, meaning he outscored half the teams in his conference by himself. And despite chirping that the converted running back didn't have the arm to lead an offense, Lewis completed more than 70 percent of his passes (94-of-134) for 1,424 yards and 11 TDs.
"When he'd make a mistake in practice, he'd always say, 'Coach, let's do it again,' " Kirkpatrick said. "He always wanted to end on a high note."
When Lewis fell to the ground with a knee injury in the opening minutes of the title game, most eyes on the Dudley sidelines turned toward the heavens, including Kirkpatrtick's.
"Your heart stops for a second," Kirkpatrick said. "You don't think he's going to end his career like that."
Of course it wouldn't. Three plays later, Lewis sprang off the trainer's table and hobbled back on the field. He went on to run for 160 yards and earn title game MVP honors for the second time.
"It was about the game," Lewis said, "not me."
He says his two most likely college destinations are N.C. A&T and Winston-Salem State. He's doing his senior project on how to make it to the NFL.
"It was fun," Lewis said. "I'd do it all again."
Contact Tom Keller at 373-7031 or tom.keller @news-record.com