By By Chandler Myers
Quarterbacks are leaders of their teams year in and year out, which is one reason they put up stats more than most players on their team. Racking up stats is something that has become a habit for Escambia County HIgh School’s star quarterback, junior Rico Stallworth.
Stallworth’s ability to put up stats despite an injury midway through in the 2009 season that caused him to miss two games did not slow him down in gaining more yards than in his previous two seasons.
For this accomplishment, Stallworth has been declared The Atmore Advance’s 2009 Offensive Player of the Year, which gives him the award for the second consecutive year.
During the 2009 season, Stallworth accumulated a total of 2,146 yards (857 yards passing, 1,289 yards rushing) along with 15 touchdowns. He also completed 70 percent of his passes.
Stallworth said winning the award is a great honor, but added he did not earn it by himself.
In his three years as starting quarterback for the Blue Devils, Stallworth has padded his stats by gaining a total of 6,027 yards and 42 touchdowns.
Stallworth’s success has warranted looks from Division 1 universities as well as an early offer from the University of South Alabama.
Stallworth’s former coach Kyle Davis said that Stallworth proves himself to be deserving of the award.
A minor injury to his leg during the middle of the season kept Stallworth out of two games, but he came back looking to make plays.
Stallworth said his favorite moment of the season was comingback from the injury and helping his team.
With one year left at Escambia County High School, Stallworth is looking to finish his time with the Blue Devils with more success.
He said he wants to help lead his offense, and fight for a state championship.