01 Oct 2014 Wren key for Eagles in 5-2A pursuit
by Levi Gilbert
The Cutter Morning Star Eagles are off to a great start to 2014 season. Nearing the midway point, the Eagles are 3-1.
The Eagle offense is averaging almost 40 points per game. One part of the Eagles’ success on offense has been due to senior running back Zack Wren.
Wren was selected to this year’s 501 Football Team — 24 players representing all 11 counties of the 501. The team boasts the best the 501 has to offer both on and off the field. Wren was nominated by Cutter Morning Star’s head coach, T.C. Shamel.
“Zack has great instincts while playing the game of football,” Shamel said. “He makes the game appear easy at times. Zack was our starting running back last year and was also one of our leading tacklers on defense.”
The Eagles and Wren are working toward another post-season berth. Last fall, the Eagles had one of their most successful seasons in school history, making the playoffs for only the third time in school history. The Eagles posted the second largest win total (seven wins) in their program’s history.
Wren and the rest of the backfield rushed for 2,500 yards and scored 29 touchdowns on the ground. Wren credits the offensive line for all the success.
“Last year we had an amazing line that helped get us to the playoffs,” Wren said. “It was a good experience. I’d like to step up my running game this year. We’re just trying to win and get back to the playoffs.”
Wren also plays safety for the Eagles. The secondary was potent a year ago. The Eagles defense intercepted 21 passes and scored eight defensive touchdowns.
“His teammates look to him for guidance on and off the field,” Shamel said. “He genuinely understands what the game is all about. He shows great sportsmanship on and off the field.”
The Eagles are 1-0 on the early conference season in the 5-2A. Shamel says Wren will play a key role in how far the Eagles can ascend in the conference.
“We need Zack to have a really good year for us in order for us to compete within the 5-2A,” Shamel said.
And it’s not just Wren’s on-the-field contributions that are important for the Eagles.
“He’s a great teammate and just really a fun person to be around,” Shamel said. “He helps in fundraising activities and contributes to our elementary reading program.”
The Eagles travel to Quitman tomorrow, looking to move to 2-0 in 5-2A play.
