Independence Patriots, Running Back Davion Nelson

The Patriots junior star running back had himself a game this Friday night against local rival Rocky River Ravens. He continues to get better and stronger every game making a significant contribution to the team’s solid season with a 6-4 overall record and 4-2 in their conference.

The workhorse carried the ball 21 times accumulating 216 yards and two touchdowns. Both touchdowns were dramatic and exciting as he rumbled for 39 yards for his first touchdown. Then with just under a minute in the game with Independence up 21-20 just inside their own one-yard line, he would take the hand-off from quarterback Shai Wheeler, hit a solid wall of Ravens, bounce off tackle, break two more tackles and find daylight running down the sidelines to complete a 99 yard backbreaking touchdown giving the Patriots a 28-20 win.

Nelson had some huge runs all night as he would carve up a strong Ravens defense. He had five big runs of 12, 39, 18, 30, and 99 yards for 198 yards alone. The running back uses a combination of power, speed and punishes the opponent’s defense as it usually takes two or more defenders to tackle him to the ground.

This season in 10 games he has unofficially gained 1,179 yards averaging 117.9 yards per football game. He also had a game early this season when he rushed for 222 yards to lead the Patriots offensively.

Congratulations from the sports editor and sportswriters at The Mint Hill Times for your nomination and accomplishment.