It’s been a banner year for the Buchholz football team.
Earlier this month the Bobcats defeated 1S state semifinalist Trinity Catholic (Ocala) on the road in the regular season finale for its first unbeaten season since 2001.
Now they are one win away from their first state championship game appearance since 1990.
Last week, Buchholz (13-0) advanced to the Class 4S state semifinals with a 37-17 win against visiting Bartram Trail (St. Johns) in the Class 4S-Region 1 Final.
Running back Quinton Cutler was a big part of that win with 201 yards rushing and a pair of touchdowns.
He has been recognized as the Pavlik Orthodontics Athlete of the Week for the week of Nov. 20 for his performance.
“Quinton did an outstanding job against Bartram Trail,” said Buchholz coach Chuck Bell. “To rush for over 200 yards against a team like Bartram Trail is a huge testament to the type of player Quinton is. Over the last three years he has had his best performances in the playoffs and last Friday was no different.”
Cutler has rushed for 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons for the Bobcats.
“Quinton is one of the best running backs that I’ve ever been around,” Bell said. “His ability to use his vision and find a hole to hit in the run game is elite. Once he gets past the second level there are few players who can catch him.”
Bell has high praise for his senior.
“Quinton also excels at making defenders miss in the open field with his agility and elusiveness,” Bell said. “He’s one of the toughest and best running backs to ever play at Buchholz High School.”
Cutler joins teammate Myle Graham in becoming the 14th athlete to be selected for the weekly award.
Last week’s winner was Riley Smith of the Buchholz boys cross country team.
The University of Florida commit won an individual Class 4A state title with a time of 15:05.5 in the 5000m race at the FHSAA cross country state championships at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee. He helped lead his team to a state runner-up finish.
Other winners include Gainesville swimmer Ava Fuller, who won an individual state title, P.K. Yonge swimmer Lillie Nesty, who won two individual state titles, Santa Fe (Alachua) volleyball player Jordan Czaplewski, Williston running back Jace McDonald, Nash Lantinen of the St. Francis Catholic Academy football team, Oak Hall setter/right side hitter Cassidy McDonald, Oak Hall quarterback Dakota Brower, GHS quarterback Kane Smith, Buchholz football player Myles Graham, Hawthorne wide receiver Alvon Isaac, Chiefland running back Osten Jones, and Newberry volleyball player Hailey Tharp.
Coaches can email their nominations each week, along with stats, no later than Sunday night to mike.ridaught@mainstreetdailynews.com.