Published: October 07, 2008 04:38 pm            

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: The Zach Attack

McCreary Central junior giving Raiders an extra oomph on both sides of the ball this season

Some may have raised their eyebrows when the season began and Zach Roark was penciled in as the Raider’s main ball carrier — a position he had not played at the varsity level, and one that has been occupied by three different players in the last three years.

The move has paid dividends for the Raiders through six games though, as Roark as established himself as one of the better running backs in the area, and has given the Raiders perhaps the best one-two offensive punch around.

Roark played tight end last season, and proved to be a good blocker with good enough hands to be a downfield threat in the passing attack.

He is still a good blocker, and still proves to be a threat to catch a pass now and then, but his primary role this season has been to provide some strong running for the Raiders.

He is the muscle to teammate Aaron Watts’ finesse in the Raiders’ running attack.

On Friday night, fans got to see first hand an example of how much Roark means to the Raiders’ revamped offense, carrying the ball 12 times for 157 yards and 2 touchdowns in the team’s 38-12 win over Harlan Independent.

While Roark averages touching the ball only a dozens times a game, he has made the most of thos opportunities this season, rushing for 543 yards and 6 touchdowns through the first six games.

Defensively, he has also provided some punch for the Raiders. In addition to picking up a couple of fumbles returning one for a touchdown, Roark killed a drive at the goal line in the Williamsburg game with an interception. His accomplishments don’t stop there. He is also a vital member of the special teams unit and has added a couple of touchdowns on kickoff returns.

While the offense revolves around a star play-maker at quarterback that can hurt you with his arm and legs, opponents best remember number 21, because he will run you over on his way to pay dirt, and won’t think twice about it.

        

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