By By ADAM FISHER / Niles Daily Star
Buchanan's Jared Rusher is looking to have a big season. The senior plays both running back and defensive back and has lofty goals for both positions.
He started off on the right foot in the Bucks' season-opening victory at Centreville. Though he carried the ball just four times, Rusher ran for 46 yards and two touchdowns.
Rusher's performance earned him Niles Daily Star Boys' Athlete of the Week honors for the week of Aug. 22-28.
His most explosive play, however, wasn't on offense or defense. It was on special teams.
With Buchanan leading 21-0 to start the third quarter, Rusher took the second half kickoff 88 yards on what head coach Joe Austin called an electrifying touchdown run.
It was Rusher's first kickoff returned for a touchdown in his three years on the varsity team.
Rusher gave credit to his teammates on both his touchdowns and his other carries. He said good blocking was key to springing him loose on his big runs.
Not only was Rusher impressive with the ball in his hands, but he was also good at keeping the ball out of Centreville's hands. Austin said Rusher was one of the team's leading tacklers Friday and did a great job defending at the cornerback position.
Though he plays on both sides of the ball, Rusher said he prefers offense to defense.