PC Player of the Week (4): Daniel Blaney – K – Marcus

30 Sep, 2014

New coach, new uniforms, new system, new motto.  For the Marcus Maruaders, the 2014 football season has revolved around all the new changes that were brought on by a coaching turnover that saw a Texas High School football coaching great, Bryan Erwin step down from the helm and Marcus turn the keys over to Gerry Stanford, a rising star in the coaching world from east Texas.  So far the new look suits the Marauders as they brought their 2-1 (1-0) record back into district 6-6A to face the Hebron Hawks.  As to be expected in this 9 team battle for 4 playoff spots, these heavy weight fighters exchanged blows for all 4 quarters and found themselves deadlocked; heading for overtime.  After a turnover on downs for the Hawks and a fumble for the Marauders, the drama built even more as the teams marched into the 2nd overtime. An interception and a blocked field goal forced this instant classic into yet another overtime.  After a Hebron field goal attempt blocked again by the Marauder defense the stage was set for a heroic moment.  Enter first year senior kicker Daniel Blaney.  Blaney, a soccer standout for the nationally ranked Marauder soccer team, joined the football teams in hopes to be a part of the aforementioned new excitement and his addition has proved imperative for the Marcus playoff push.  With ice water running through his veins, Blaney drilled a 37 yard kick in the 3rd overtime to knock off the Hawks and elevate Marcus to a perfect 2-0 district 6-6A record.  In an era where finding an automatic extra point field goal kicker has proved challenging, having the option of securing 3 points from as far as 40 yards out can most definitely be season changing for the Marauders.  As far as we are concerned, PC and Daniel Blaney go together just about as well as peanut butter and jelly.  Blaney has attended PC for his entire high school career not only in the summer but also in the fall with his soccer team as he is a two year award winner.  His work ethic and desire are unquestioned and he has the make-up of every 6 character word (Belief, Effort, Leadership, Attitude, Consistency, Desire) taught and instilled in our program.  For his efforts, Daniel “Diz Beliefa” Blaney is the Performance Course Player of the Week.  Congrats Daniel, BE RED!!