San Diego High School Player of the Week : Patterson Gets His Moment to Star

Lincoln High School, the San Diego Section 2-A football champion, was led by a select group of players this season.

Quarterback Keith Mitchell, wide receiver Patrick Rowe and running back Marcus Hopkins led the 11-1 team that defeated Oceanside, 41-7, last Saturday for the 2-A title.

Charles Patterson played consistently as the Hornets’ tight end and cornerback. He had only two touchdowns and three interceptions during the regular season, but he contributed in less noticeable ways.

“He was one of those guys who was always there,” Lincoln Coach Vic Player said. “Mitchell and Rowe were the ‘name’ athletes on the football team. They got all the headlines. But (Patterson) is an excellent blocker and an excellent defensive back.”

Patterson accepted his supporting role, but he longed for a game in which he could be the star.

“After every game, I would look in the morning paper to see if there was anything about me--there never was,” Patterson said. “That’s why I hoped I could do something big in CIF.”

In his final game for Lincoln Saturday night in San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium, Patterson finally made good.

Patterson’s opportunity came as the Hornets were trying to win their second straight San Diego Section 2-A championship with Rowe--their top receiver--injured.

With four key plays--two touchdown receptions and two interceptions--Patterson, The Times’ Player of the Week, achieved the recognition he has wanted.

“Both of his (touchdown) catches were in situations where they were back-breakers for Oceanside,” Player said.

This kind of game also brought recognition from college scouts.

“A lot of the scouts had never heard of him before,” Player said. “But when they saw the films, they’d ask, ‘Who’s this No. 3 kid?’ I’m talking about the Arizonas, the Nebraskas and the Washingtons.”

Patterson just may have joined Lincoln’s select group.

Charles

Patterson

Lincoln High

Position: Tight end/cornerback.

Height, Weight, Class: 5-10, 175, Senior.

Last Week: Caught two touchdown passes and made two interceptions in Lincoln’s 41-7 victory over Oceanside in the San Diego Section 2-A championship game.