OT - Friend's kid does good

[Mark Padgett]

After missing three games due to a concussion, Thomas returned with a bang. He gained 228 yards rushing in only eight carries and he scored five touchdowns. He almost had a sixth score, but he came up a few inches short. Two of the touchdown runs were over 60 yards.

Welcome back, Thomas.

[Mark Padgett]

Thomas played in his last regular season game of the year last night. He gained 229 yards rushing and scored two touchdowns. His team now has a
"play-in" game to get into the playoffs. I'm sure that if he didn't miss those three games, he'd be voted top offensive player in the state for the second time. Oh well - he'll be a senior next year. I wonder if he still wants to go to Harvard? Not kidding.

[Mark Padgett]

The Oregonian newspaper ran a big story on Thomas on the front page of their sports section this morning. It said he's the best HS athlete in the state, and that someday, he may be regarded as the best athlete to ever come from this state! Quite a comment.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

He may be regarded as the best athlete to ever come from this state!

Better than Danny Ainge, Steve Prefontaine, Bob Lilly, Mel Renfro, Dale Murphy, Dick Fosbury, Dan O'Brien, Mickey Lolich, A.C. Green, or Johnny Pesky?

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Better than Danny Ainge, Steve Prefontaine, Bob Lilly, Mel Renfro, Dale Murphy, Dick Fosbury, Dan O'Brien, Mickey Lolich, A.C. Green, or Johnny Pesky?

And Neil Lomax.

Hey - I'm just saying what was stated in the article. However, the kid is really incredible.

[Mark Padgett]

Well, this season is over for Thomas. He was held out of his team's first round playoff game last night due to a leg injury and they lost. Too bad. I guess we'll just see how great a senior year he has next season.

Of course, he still will be in track meets coming up.

[Mark Padgett]

Yet another story about Thomas in the newspaper this morning. Apparently, he has made a verbal commitment to attend the University of Oregon. He says their spread offense would complement his speed as a runner and as a receiver without having him take a lot of pounding.

While this isn't binding, I doubt he'll change his mind during his senior season next year.

BTW - the Ducks could have used him yesterday in their game against USC.

Also BTW - the story called him the best HS athlete in the state right now.