By Ryan Bisesi
rbisesi@salisburypost.com
MT. ULLA – It was Daisean Reddick’s first start of the year and it was time for a fresh start.
The junior running back made the most of his opportunity Friday night in a 127-yard rushing performance against North Iredell. Reddick has emerged as one of the more elusive backs in the county after missing the first three games due to an off-field incident in the offseason.
With senior Desmond Jackson penciled in as the starter for the first seven games, the Falcons went in a different direction against North in what was figured to be a lopsided game.
The Monday before last week’s game, Reddick learned he would get the first carries. It was a big moment for Reddick, who got significant carries last year for the 3A state finalist.
Reddick’s excitement creshendoed when he broke it open for a 72-yard burst on the first series. He was quite the opportunist.
“It was all in my hands so I had to take over,” Reddick said. “I was so hyped before the game.”
The significance of the start wasn’t lost on Reddick, who showed the elusiveness of the West running backs before him such as K.P. Parks and Dinkin Miller.
“When it’s going to be your turn, you better try your hardest and give it everything you got,” Reddick said.
Missing the first three games was tough on Reddick, but he was working hard in practice and still able to partake in team activities. It’s paying off now.
Reddick a 5-foot-11, 170-pounder, has 582 yards on the season and eight rushing touchdowns.
“It’s real hard,” Reddick said. “I could be leading the county in rushing right now.”
He has racked up four 100-yard games including one against an East Rowan team that carries a tenacious run defense.
When used in conjunction with fellow running back Jackson, the duo give the Falcons a two-pronged rushing attack that make opponents prepare for both. There’s no concrete starter in West coach Scott Young’s eyes. Young lets the pair settle that decision on the field the week previous.
“What we told them is that they’re both starters in our eyes,” Young said. “What we do is rotate that starting slot around based on performance and ball security. That’s the neat thing with having two equal guys so now you can have them motivate each other.”
“They told me whoever does better between you and Desmond against Reidsville can start the next game,” Reddick said.
Friday. Reddick will try to run away from Carson defensive lineman Myquon Stout. Stout’s one of Reddick’s good friends and was a teammate on an AAU basketball team.
“We’ll have to show them what we’re about with shoulder pads and helmets on,” Reddick said.