In a battle of the third and sixth seeds in Section 5AAAAA, No. 6 Park Center rode a strong second half to a 17-14 upset win over Irondale Oct. 24. While Park Center eventually came back to earn the victory, players…
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Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log inIn a battle of the third and sixth seeds in Section 5AAAAA, No. 6 Park Center rode a strong second half to a 17-14 upset win over Irondale Oct. 24. While Park Center eventually came back to earn the victory, players from both sides were able to stand out from the rest. With a few days to reflect, here, in no particular order, are the top five impressive players from the game.
Running back Emmanuel Tamba– Park Center
Tamba played well in the first half, but took his game to another level in the second half against Irondale. Tamba showed an ability to run both between the tackles, as well as outside the tackles, as he scored on a 4-yard run in the third quarter before breaking loose for an 85-yard score in the fourth quarter. While Park Center's season came to an end in the section semifinal game, expect Tamba, a junior, to fill a large role again next season.
Wide receiver Aden Price– Irondale
Price is a big target on the outside for Irondale, and the offense, in times of need, often looks his way, as it should. Price has evolved into a big play receiver for the Knights, and he made Irondale's biggest play of the game when he hauled in a 45-yard touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter as the Knights were looking to climb back into the game.
Safety Blake Wilkins– Park Center
Wilkins has been playing well for the Park Center defense all season long and he kept up his streak of strong play against Irondale. Wilkins made several key plays, but one of his biggest plays of the game came in the second half, when he delivered a big hit to force an incompletion on a third-down play. Wilkins, a senior, provided the Pirates with much-needed consistency this season.
Quarterback Brendan White– Irondale
White didn't have his most efficient game for the Knights (he completed just eight of his 20 passes), but he made key plays when it mattered most. White connected with Price on a 45-yard touchdown pass for his lone score, but White was also able to use his legs to pick up first downs for the Knights, as he racked up a team-high 52 rushing yards against Park Center.
Running back Chris Roby– Park Center
While Tamba has rightfully earned the chance to be the Pirates' top option at running back, Roby has often served as the team's bruiser for short gain or goal line situations. Roby helped the Pirates get off to their strong second half by earning several key first downs and serving as a change-of-pace back for the Park Center offense.
