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When playing in a program, and an offense, such as that on the football team for Sussex Central High School, a team so rich in talented history, it takes a lot to stand out.
Add to the fact that the Knights have a backfield crowded with talent this year on the running game, and it takes even more for one to set them apart. But in 2011, that hasn’t seemed to be a problem for seniors DeShawn Sheppard and Brandon Lewis, as they’ve led Central to a strong 5-2, 4-0 record through seven games this year.
Last Friday, as Lewis was in and out of the game against Cape Henlopen High School hobbled by injuries, Sheppard stepped up, scoring four touchdowns filling Lewis’ void in the offense, keeping his team undefeated in the Henlopen North in the process, and establishing himself as quite possibly one of the top backs in the state this year.
Q You’ve had great numbers so far this year, but last Friday’s four-touchdown performance seemed to be a breakout game. Did you expect that kind of offense output from yourself?
A I have high expectations for myself. But it’s not about me, it’s for the team. So whatever the team needs me to do, I’m going to do it.
Q You’re in a unique position in that you play all 48 minutes of the game, starting on offense, defense and special teams. How do you condition yourself for such grueling minutes?
A I condition really hard all week. I know the team needs me. But once I get out on the field I don’t really feel tired anymore. I just want to go.
Q With the win over Cape, you’ve put yourselves in the driver’s seat in the Henlopen North this year in the quest for a conference title. What would that accomplishment mean to this group?
A It would be big to us. We always want to go for that title, do better and just do more. So we just have to keep our heads on and keep focused now.
Q Where does this team still need to get better?
A I think we need to improve everywhere. Even though we play good at times during games, we still have to get much better in every area.
When playing in a program, and an offense, such as that on the football team for Sussex Central High School, a team so rich in talented history, it takes a lot to stand out.
Add to the fact that the Knights have a backfield crowded with talent this year on the running game, and it takes even more for one to set them apart. But in 2011, that hasn’t seemed to be a problem for seniors DeShawn Sheppard and Brandon Lewis, as they’ve led Central to a strong 5-2, 4-0 record through seven games this year.
Last Friday, as Lewis was in and out of the game against Cape Henlopen High School hobbled by injuries, Sheppard stepped up, scoring four touchdowns filling Lewis’ void in the offense, keeping his team undefeated in the Henlopen North in the process, and establishing himself as quite possibly one of the top backs in the state this year.
Q You’ve had great numbers so far this year, but last Friday’s four-touchdown performance seemed to be a breakout game. Did you expect that kind of offense output from yourself?
A I have high expectations for myself. But it’s not about me, it’s for the team. So whatever the team needs me to do, I’m going to do it.
Q You’re in a unique position in that you play all 48 minutes of the game, starting on offense, defense and special teams. How do you condition yourself for such grueling minutes?
A I condition really hard all week. I know the team needs me. But once I get out on the field I don’t really feel tired anymore. I just want to go.
Q With the win over Cape, you’ve put yourselves in the driver’s seat in the Henlopen North this year in the quest for a conference title. What would that accomplishment mean to this group?
A It would be big to us. We always want to go for that title, do better and just do more. So we just have to keep our heads on and keep focused now.
Q Where does this team still need to get better?
A I think we need to improve everywhere. Even though we play good at times during games, we still have to get much better in every area.
