Wilhoite already nearing 1,000 yards as Siegel earns blowout win
Siegel running back Lelan Wilhoite has only been working with the Stars’ offense for a little over a month, but that hasn’t lessened his impact.
The senior transfer from Nashville Christian racked up 281 yards rushing and three touchdowns Friday night in Siegel’s 43-6, homecoming win over the Antioch Bears.
In just a short amount of time, Wilhoite has bolstered an offense that struggled mightily a year ago. Since being integrated into the Stars offense, their points per game have increased from 17 to 23.
Several players have been complimentary of the senior running back.
“He’s been really important,” quarterback Brendan Crowell said of his running back. “He’s been like a jump start. Once we get him going, we know everything is going to start clicking.”
“He means a lot to the team,” said Siegel offensive lineman and South Carolina commitment Maxwell Iyama. “He’s been a blessing and we’re really happy to have him.”
While he’s been the focal point of the offense so far, Wilhoite is quick to pass the credit elsewhere.
“I just give it up to my “O-line' because they make it easy on me,” said Wilhoite, who also has a 363-yard performance this season and has rushed for almost 1,000 yards through the team's first four games “They come out Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and execute well. Then we put on a show on Fridays.”
That’s exactly what the Stars did in front of a packed house at Ken Nolan Stadium. Antioch punted to Wilhoite on their second possession of the game and the senior went to work, taking the boot 89 yards for a score.
That was merely the beginning for Wilhoite as he scored three more times before the game ended.
“Everybody sees this phenomenal athlete, but he comes to work every day,” said Siegel coach Michael Copley. “He’s a blue-collar football player. It doesn’t matter what we’re doing, he’s working to the best of his ability.”
Siegel will remain at home next week as the Stars look to take down crosstown rival Blackman in a Region 3-6A contest.
