The Williston football team stayed unbeaten last Friday night thanks to its ground attack.
Jace McDonald led the way, rushing for 222 yards and four touchdowns on only nine carries as the Red Devils pulled away for a 49-18 win against previously unbeaten Class 2S Hudson (7-1).
He averaged 24.7 yards per carry and also added three tackles and defended a pass on defense in garnering Athlete of the Week honors for the week of Oct. 16.
“Jace had a great game Friday not only running the ball but he also did a awesome job blocking as well and helping lead our team,” said Williston coach Robby Pruitt. “Jace is a very talented player. He has worked himself into a complete player.”
Williston, which improved to 8-0, had its best rushing total of the season, ending up with 535 yards on 37 carries.
The senior had a 63-yard touchdown run on Williston’s first possession, and he added another 63-yard run with just under two minutes to play in the first half for a 22-6 lead.
“He can run the ball but he is an excellent receiver too,” Pruitt said. “He can play him outside or inside. He has improved his physicality too on both sides of the ball and is a very unselfish teammate. He is a even better young man. I’m extremely proud of him.”
Williston, which is ranked No. 1 in Class 1R in the latest FHSAA rankings, is now two wins away from back-to-back unbeaten regular seasons.
The Red Devils will host Class 2S North Marion (Citra) at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, followed by a home game against 3S Citrus (Inverness) next Friday, Nov. 3.
McDonald became the ninth athlete to be selected for the weekly award.
Last week’s winner was Nash Lantinen of the St. Francis Catholic Academy football team.
The junior stepped in at quarterback due to injuries to their top two QBs and finished with over 250 yards of total offense as the Wolves defeated Cedar Creek Christian (Jacksonville), 44-20, on Friday, Oct. 13, to win their first game of the year.
Other winners include 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.