Edwardsburg football player Dustin Vires leads by example and, occasionally, voices his thoughts.

As a senior, Vires felt the perfect moment for him to speak up came before last Friday’s Division IV pre-district game against Paw Paw.

“I like to talk to the team and give them some inspiration,” said Vires. “During the week I put an acronym on the board in the locker room. What it said was, “It’s a win and what’s important now and that was beating Paw Paw.”

“It’s huge being a senior. Your role is different. I’ve got a lot of people looking up to me and I had big shoes to fill. We lost a lot of guys from last year’s team. I’m just trying to fill those shoes and make a name for myself and the team.”

Vires had witnessed painful first round playoff losses in each of the past three seasons and he played like an angry senior against the Redskins.

The 5-foot-6, 155-pound Vires rushed for a career-high 157 yards on 20 carries with three touchdowns in a 60-34 Eddies win over the Redskins.

A slippery field and cold conditions couldn’t slow down Vires.

“I got plenty of playing time and was able to keep warm on the field,” Vires said about coping with the 30-degree temperatures.

“I just played hard.”

Vires also recovered one of the six onside kicks that Edwardsburg attempted against Paw Paw.

“It’s a great feeling,” Vires said about recovering an onside kick. “It’s taking one for the team.”

Not a bad day for the shortest guy on the Edwardsburg football team.

“He’s a battler,” said Edwardsburg football coach Kevin Bartz about Vires. “He’s nearly down on some plays and he spins out of a tough spot to get extra yardage. What looks like a three-yard gain becomes a six to nine-yard gain. Those are huge because we then have short yardage on second and third down.”

Many opponents have been left shaking their heads after having near misses when it comes to tackling Vires.

On the season, Vires has rushed for 1,038 yards on 121 carries with 14 touchdowns.
“I’m giving everything I got on every play and trying to help the team win,” Vires said.

“I have great balance and I’m low to the ground and I like using my hand to plant. Great balance helps me as a running back.”

The most effective running play for Vires out of the wing-T is the trap up the middle.

“I love the trap plays and running the ball up the middle,” Vires said. “I blast the ball up the hole after I get some great blocks from my teammates on linebackers.”

Despite his small stature, Vires isn’t afraid to take a hit and get in the middle of contact. It’s just a normal day for Vires, who’s also a standout wrestler at Edwardsburg. Vires was a state qualifier last year at 125 pounds and was a regional medalist.

“I spend a lot of time on the mat and it has made me a better athlete and football player,” Vires said. “It’s helped me with my balance.”

Opponents agree.