The Hawthorne football team has been playing championship defense this season.
The defending Class 1R state champions are allowing just 7.5 points per game.
Senior Andrew Zock spearheads that defense by averaging a team-best 10.9 tackles per game.
The Navy commit is third in the state in Class 1R with 131 tackles.
He has been recognized as the Pavlik Orthodontics Athlete of the Week for the week of November 27 after helping lead the Hornets’ defense to its third shutout of the season in a 49-0 win against Blountstown in the 1R state semifinals.
Last Thursday, Zock led the Hornets (12-0) with eight total tackles, including six solo, two tackles for a loss, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
“Zock is one of the players that makes a coach’s job easier,” said Hawthorne defensive coordinator Dustin Adkins. “He shows up each day with a positive attitude and always is willing to learn and ask questions. His energy and passion is also something that gets our defense going, similar to how Jailen Ruth was for us last year.”
The North Marion transfer made an immediate impact this season.
“Even though he has been here for only a year, Zock is a leader and someone I go to on a daily basis for feedback and concerns,” Adkins said. “He has definitely been fun to watch this year. He is a big physical kid that doesn’t get enough credit for his speed and sideline-to-sideline ability. A complete player.”
Zock joins teammate Alvon Issac in becoming the 15th athlete to be selected for the weekly award.
Last week’s winner was Quinton Cutler of the Buchholz football team.
The senior rushed for 201 yards and two touchdowns as Buchholz advanced to the Class 4S state semifinals with a 37-17 win against Bartram Trail (St. Johns) in the Class 4S-Region 1 Final.
Other winners include Buchholz boys cross country state champion Riley Smith, Gainesville swimmer Ava Fuller, who won an individual state title, P.K. Yonge swimmer and University of Texas signee 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.