Oak Ridge High School running Reese Catchings adjusts from signal-caller to lead back
DORADO HILLS, Calif. — Reese Catchings can be described as a phenomenal athlete whose dexterity in the field of play cannot be questioned. Although not absolved from infallibility, Catchings’ determination to prove his worth in every game earned him the honors he enjoys wherever he goes.
The 6-foot, 165-pound player is a former quarterback for Oak Ridge High School in El Dorado, California, but now is a senior running back on the same team due to his athletic prowess.
At a young age, Catchings kicked off his career as a quarterback for Oak Ridge, playing for the lower-level team. Progressing to the varsity level, he changed gears to running back, and it has paid off ever since.
In fact, the benefits have been enormous. Catchings currently leads El Dorado County in rushing with 576 yards on the season, impressive for a player who once was the quarterback.
One of his most remarkable performances was the last encounter between Oak Ridge and Elk Grove earlier this season.
Tension was high for the Trojans, and they stood at risk of losing the games, but they forged ahead. Elk Grove hit at them, but towards the end, they had a touchdown score that resulted in a 28-27 victory in favor of Oak Ridge. Spectators could see that Oak Ridge came prepared.
Catchings’ prowess was put to test when the Trojans found themselves down at the half. Junior quarterback Maddox Varella found fellow junior receiver John Hayward in the third for the team’s first touchdown, but a response by Elk Grove kept the Trojans deficit at 14, 21-7.
On the ensuing offensive play following the Elk Grove score, Varella handed the ball off to Catchings. The senior back emerged at the right side like a tornado, surprised the obstructing defender in his way, and held every spectator spellbound with his rare stunts until he delivered an amazing touchdown run of 75 yards.
He attracted joyous hailing from the Oak Ridge crew because his efforts gave the team a flicker of hope for the game that was lost before. If there is one thing, they were grateful for, it was his resilience.
“I think Reese on his big return and a big run got us back and got us going, got us some confidence,” said Oak Ridge head coach Casey Taylor after the game.
Catchings was not done on the day either. A three-and-out gave the Trojans offense the ball and after a drive that got them to the 11-yard line, the senior back carried the ball into the endzone to knot the game at 21.
The Oak Ridge defense would once again stand tall, this time forcing an Elk Grove fumble on their own 10-yard line. During the ensuing drive, Catchings would help move the ball, not with his legs, but his arm. He took Varella’s handoff, and the former quarterback threw the ball to fellow senior Aden Clark, for a 37-yard completion. Varella would put the final touchdown on the board for the Trojans with a 47-yard touchdown pass to Hayward before a defensive stand on a two-point attempt gave Oak Ridge the decisive 28-27 victory.
After everything was over, Catchings said, “I couldn’t be more proud of my defense. That was just awesome and I’m still getting chills about it.”
On the night, Catchings finished with 143 yards rushing on 19 carries and two touchdowns on the ground along with his 37-yard completion.
With his rising stardom nothing can stand in Catchings’ way. As the county’s leading rusher, expect more big things from the senior running back as the Trojans make their way toward the end of the season.
This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.