Since his freshman year, Josh Marzett, 16, has had his heart set on beating the Santa Maria High School record for yards run in a single game: 340. In the team’s recent game against Gonzales High School, Marzett got so close he could almost taste it.
The junior running back ran for 220 yards on 22 carries. He would have had even more rushing yards if the referee hadn’t called back a couple of plays, including one where Marzett ran for at least 50.
Still, 220 was a personal record for Marzett and he credits his team—the linemen and backs for protecting him and the quarterback for making the plays that let him come so close to achieving his goal. And, of course, he thanked his new coach for putting him out there.
“He’s such a good athlete and he’s so quick,” coach Mike Pope said.
And Marzett is still learning. He’s a player who has a lot of potential, according to Pope, and it’s just starting to show on the field. The coach explained that Marzett is getting more schooling and chances this year than in previous years.
In fact, Pope and his assistant coaches are busy making Marzett and all of his teammates even better so that the Saints can have a winning season this year.
“The team is really getting better,” Marzett said.
And, with plenty of games left in the season, Marzett has lots of time to break the school record.
“He’s definitely one of our speedsters,” Pope said.
This article appears in Sep 25 – Oct 2, 2008.