Xavier Wooten pounds North Brunswick for 189 yards

ELIZABETHTOWN, NC (WWAY) — The running backs last week really showed their muscles and helped carry their teams to victory. But one running back accounted for more than half of his teams total offense, which makes him our 5th Quarter Player of the Week.

Xavier Wooten could be Player of the Week every single week if it were up to stats alone. Through two weeks, Wooten has amassed 344 yards on the ground and six touchdowns. But like any good running back, he says none of it is possible without his teammates.

“Without my teammates, it’s not there,” Wooten said. “I owe a lot to my teammates, my fullback and offensive line.”

Just focusing on the week three contest against North Brunswick, he accounted for more than 50 percent of the total offense East Bladen had. 189 yards and three touchdowns en route to a 34-0 shut out for number 34 and the Eagles.

“It was just a well-executed game,” Wooten said. “Offensive line came through for me. The fullback came through for me. We just played well as a team and executed the right plays.”

Last season, Wooten was part of a multiple playmaker attack with Ethan and Eian hines also making plays. This year, he has a fresh mindset. One he says you can’t lose with.

“You’ve just got to want it,” Wooten said. “If you put in the hard work, you get what you want.”

His running back idol is Le’Veon Bell of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Like Bell, Wooten shows he is a threat to score any time he touches the ball. But it’s Bell’s patience that catches Wooten’s eye.

“When he hits the hole, he waits for his hole instead of running into blockers and waits for his blockers to get to his blocks.” Wooten said.

Patience will be key for Wooten in a long senior season. But when it’s all said and done, he has one goal in mind.

“To win a state-championship,” Wooten said. “Senior year, I have to go out big.”

Congratulations to Xavier Wooten on being named the 5th Quarter Player of the Week!