Spotlight
Juwan Washington, Kennedale RB
By Shawn Smajstrla Special to the Star
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His night: In the Wildcats? 56-13 victory against Kaufman on Friday night, the senior running back carried 22 times for 270 yards ? an average of more than 12 yards per carry ? and found the end zone five times. He also added a reception of 42 yards. His longest touchdown came when he broke away for 80 yards. {{more}}
His story: Washington is a third-year letterman, having rushed for over 1,600 yards as a sophomore. He followed that up with a junior campaign of more than 2,400 yards on the ground. Washington, who already has rushed for 902 yards and 14 touchdowns this season, has committed to play football next season at San Diego State.
His goals: Washington says he doesn?t set many specific individual goals, but rather just wants to continue to improve and help his team win each game. He does admit he?d like to be part of the first Kennedale team to go undefeated en route to a state title. Ultimately, Washington says he would like to earn a kinesiology degree from San Diego State and return home to coach the Wildcats.
Coach Richard Barrett said: ?This is going to sound strange after a performance like that, but it?s par for the course. That?s just what he does. He does everything we ask him to do. His only complaint may be that he?d probably like to carry it even more. [Friday?s performance] isn?t surprising. We see it every week and every day in practice. ?He?s got ?it,? if you know what I mean. He?s got a great work ethic to start with and then God-given athletic ability. It?s just a lot of different things. What it boils down to is his willingness to be coached and maintain a winning attitude and work ethic. When you?ve got those things, it?s just a great combination.?
Washington said: ?We had a good game plan going in and the linemen did a good job getting prepared for the [opposing] team and each formation and situation they would face. It was easy for me to go out there and do what I can do when they get those blocks like they?re supposed to. ?It good being a leader on this team because the younger guys can look up to you because they know you?ve been there and done it before. We have a lot of seniors on this team so it?s easy to go out there and lead. When I have a good attitude, everyone else does, too.?
Notable: Washington was part of the Kennedale 4×100- and 4×200-meter relay teams that won gold medals at the UIL Class 3A state track and field meet in the spring. The relay times (41.53 and 1:26.33) were less than a second off meet records.
