Athlete of the Week

Published 9:00 pm Monday, December 1, 2003

The senior defensive end-linebacker registered two sacks and several big hits in Archbishop Murphy’s 27-6 victory over Cascade Christian on Saturday in the Class 1A state semifinals.

“He did what we hoped he could do,” Wildcats coach Terry Ennis said. “He was big enough and quick enough to contain (Cascade Christian quarterback Evan Bratz) and really made a difference for us.”

Led by VanderWel, the Wildcats held a potent Cascade Christian offense to 118 total yards, 59 of which came on the Cougars’ TD drive late in the fourth quarter.

“Doug had a great game,” said fullback-safety Jevon Butler, who rushed for 199 yards and made several big hits of his own. “He played his butt off.”

VanderWel also rushed for 34 yards on five carries and scored a touchdown.

Other top football performers: Jevon Butler, Archbishop Murphy; Kyle Wilkins, Archbishop Murphy; Wes Taylor, Archbishop Murphy; Tyler Terhar, Archbishop Murphy.

Aaron Coe, Herald Writer