Player of the Week: Westwood’s Rudy Mitchell delivers early punch

Westwood coach Rodney Summers had a plan for working Rudy Mitchell in the rotation at running back this season.

Summers didn’t know it would happen in the first game.

When starting running back Andrew Plante left Saturday’s game against River Bluff after the first series, Summers had no choice but to put Mitchell in to the game. The junior tailback delivered by rushing for 153 yards in the Redhawks’ 34-17 win over the Gators and was named The State’s Offensive Player of the Week.

“We wanted to get him involved in the offense this year with Andrew. We just got him involved a little earlier than expected,” Summers said Tuesday before practice. “We knew Rudy could come in and do well, especially with the line we had. He’s got speed and strength combined, which makes for a special runner.”

Summers likes Mitchell’s ability to get to the outside in one of the many Redhawks’ designed trap running plays. But Mitchell showed against the Gators he isn’t afraid to run between the tackles of Westwood’s huge offensive line, which averages 293 pounds.

Mitchell, who averaged 9.6 yards a carry against River Bluff, admitted he was a little nervous when he entered the game and thought Plante would come back at some point in the game. But when it was clear Plante wouldn’t come back, he got more comfortable with each carry.

“I needed to go in and do what I have to do,” Mitchell said. ““Everyone did their part. The offensive line did great and that is why we did so well.”

Summers said Plante is day-to-day and his status for Friday’s game against Richland Northeast is uncertain. If he can’t go, Mitchell is ready to carry the bulk of the carries.

If it’s not this week, Plante will be back at some point. Summers already is envisioning that scenario, which will make Westwood’s running game even tougher to stop.

“When we get Plante back, we will have that 1-2 punch,” the Westwood coach said. “We even had a package where both were in there. Hopefully, we can get to that.”

This story was originally published August 25, 2015 at 11:15 PM.