Football Player of the Week
Bishop Verot football coach Phil Dorn describes senior Matt Timpanelli as a “go-hard guy,” for his leadership skills and tireless work ethic.
“He gives great effort all the time and he has a great attitude,” Dorn said.
Given those qualities, Dorn wasn’t reluctant to use Timpanelli more at running back last Friday.
An injury to starting running back Schon Thomas at halftime, thrust Timpanelli into full-time duty.
The Daily Breeze Football Player of the Week responded by rushing for more than 100 yards and scoring two touchdowns in the Vikings’ 44-31 victory over Ruskin Lennard.
“I really enjoyed getting the chance to do it (more),” Timpanelli said. “Schon usually gets the most carries, but when I get in there, I know it’s an opportunity to show what I can do.”
Timpanelli (5-foot-7, 160 pounds) is one of the team captains, but his primary position is on defense at strong side linebacker. He has spelled Thomas in the backfield, at times, this season, but the circumstances were different Friday night.
The Vikings were clinging to a 17-13 lead at the start of the second half.
“Schon was a little bit sore from an injury he’s been nursing and finally couldn’t push off of it,” Dorn said. “Matt played extremely well. He helped us control the ball in the second half and control the game.”
Timpanelli is in his third season for the Vikings. It’s also his third season of football after moving to Southwest Florida from Connecticut.
Despite the late start in playing the game, Timpanelli has developed into a key two-way player.
After reaching the playoffs last season, the Vikings (4-1) are off to a strong start with players like Timpanelli leading the way.
“I think we’re on our way,” he said. “We’re not necessarily better than we were last year, but I think we have a lot of heart. We practice hard and play hard.”
Honorable mentions:
Prince Holloway, sophomore, Cape Coral: Holloway caught six passes for 107 yards, including a 57-yard touchdown, in the Seahawks’ 27-6 win over Ida Baker.
Carlton Huggins, senior, North Fort Myers: Huggins ran for a 20-yard touchdown and had a 12-yard TD reception in the Red Knights’ win over Golden Gate.