Football Player of the Week
Though the Mariner High Tritons had lost three straight games entering their football season-finale against LaBelle, their teamwork and unselfishness were never in question.
The Tritons have had several players change positions in the lineup, trying to provide a spark and make up for the loss of injured starters.
Junior Eric Mitchell responded to that challenge Friday night. Mitchell, who normally plays running back, took several snaps at quarterback because of an injury to starter Gabby Rojas.
The Daily Breeze Football Player of the Week led the Tritons (4-6) to a 48-0 win over LaBelle. He rushed for 112 yards on eight carries and scored two touchdowns.
“It was scary (playing quarterback) at first,” Mitchell said, “but the coaches calmed me down and I was okay after that.”
Mitchell, who is in only his sixth year playing football, has been one of the Tritons’ most explosive players over the past two seasons.
He concluded this season with 778 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns.
“He’s a tough, very athletic kid,” Mariner coach Chad O’Brien said. “We were just trying to find more ways to get him the ball. We just said he was going to give us the best opportunity to win.”
The Tritons gained a much-needed win and had their highest offensive output of the season against winless LaBelle. They established the running game in the first half and when Mitchell broke free for a dazzling 42-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, the rout was on.
Mitchell split the snaps at quarterback with Justin Emmons, and completed all four of his passes for 52 yards. He had one long pass called back because of a penalty.
O’Brien said Mitchell, along with several other players, remained dedicated despite the three-game slide.
“I think we showed good depth,” O’Brien said. “We had a large group of 21 seniors and about the same number of juniors. That helps.”
Honorable mentions:
Aaron Lynch, sophomore, Island Coast: Lynch, a defensive end, had two sacks and three tackles for losses in the Gators’ 31-15 loss to Ida Baker.
Jake York, junior, Ida Baker: York, a quarterback, was 5-of-8 for 130 yards and one TD in the Bulldogs’ win over Island Coast. He completed a 40-yard TD pass and scored on a one-yard sneak.