HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Player: M. J. Nelson School: Simi Valley

Positions: Tailback / Free safety

Class: Senior Size: 5-10, 155

Last Week: The first time Nelson touched the ball in Simi Valley’s 28-14 win over Camarillo, he turned a short pass into a 68-yard touchdown. The first time he got the ball in the second half, he scored on a 99-yard kickoff return. Nelson finished the game with 62 yards on 17 carries and he played another solid game on defense.

Season: Nelson has rushed for 643 yards on 103 carries and has seven touchdowns. Also a threat catching the ball out of the backfield, he has four receptions for 99 yards and a touchdown. Nelson has 23 career touchdowns, including 16 from 50 yards or longer. On defense, he is one of the team’s leading tacklers. He also has four interceptions for 109 return yards, including one 88-yard touchdown.

Coach’s Comment: “He’s been our best player,” said Coach Dave Murphy. “If you stop him 15 times, he’ll break on the 16th. One breakdown on defense and it can cost you a touchdown.”

Other Candidates: Jeff De La Cruz (St. Genevieve) rushed for 130 yards and three touchdowns. Andy Bell (Harvard) rushed for 200 yards on 29 carries.