The 49ers High School Player of the Week Award for week 4 goes to Aaron McAnerney of Aptos High School.
There is nothing like the drive to claim a victory over an undefeated team. 49ers High School Player of the Week, Aaron McAnerney and the Aptos Mariners did just that as they battled the undefeated Alisal Trojans for a 28-20 win in last Friday's game.
"We all had a lot of heart in that game," stated McAnerney, "We prepared throughout the week by doing a lot of conditioning, went in with a 'gotta do it' attitude, and were ready to take them down."
The core of the Aptos running backs, Aaron McAnerney did not hesitate to put points on the board, as he rushed 4 yards for a touchdown on Aptos' opening drive of the first quarter. He scored three touchdowns in the team's previous victory over Watsonville, and had the opportunity to match his performance in a victory over the Trojans. Junior quarterback Alex Joh connected with McAnerney for two more touchdowns in the game from 11 and 16 yards out.
Despite the plague of game-time cramps striking Aaron in the second half, the indestructible senior proved his invincibility, transitioning from running back to safety through all four quarters. Referred to as the "Iron Man" by Mariners Coach, Randy Blankenship, McAnerney kept the adrenaline pumping for his teammates throughout the back-and-forth scuffle, eventually crushing the 4-0 Trojans record with a 28-20 Mariners win.
"Aaron is a wild and crazy guy," stated one of McAnerney's acclaimed influences, Randy Blakenship, "He will get hit and get back up, and keep going. He was an iron man the other night, and he will continue to play like a champion. He is a solid kid in the classroom, on the field, and is all around a very special kid."
Aaron McAnerney's leadership does not stop on the football field. The college-bound senior is currently reviewing NCAA paperwork, as he decides what lies ahead with both football and his track & field pole-vaulting accomplishments. Combined with his AP course achievements, and his positive team-player attitude, there is no doubt this committed all-star will go far. As the excitement of college and the possibility of continuing his athletic career approaches, McAnerney is focused on his short term goals as well.
"I want to finish the season knowing I played the best I could. As defensive back, I want more picks than Eli and Antonio," McAnerney joked about his co-leaders on the team, "and ultimately, I just want our team to finish with a CCS Championship in our hands."
Coach Blakenship will have his defense turn up the intensity this week as they prepare for one of their rival matchups. Aptos will seek to defeat Santa Cruz High, and once again McAnerney will prove to be an asset as he is set up to play both running back and safety against the 0-4 Cardinals.
As the home school of the 49ers High School Player of the Week, Aptos High School will receive a $500 grant for their football program. McAnerney will receive a 49ers hat and t-shirt, a certificate signed by 49er head coach Jim Harbaugh, two tickets to a 49ers home game and recognition on 49ers.com. At the end of the season, Aaron will be invited to the 49ers Training Facility in Santa Clara, CA to accept a trophy recognizing his achievements.
