Ricardo’s Rising Star & Game Recap: Reginald Proctor Jr. (Parkside v. War Eagles)

Seemingly everytime the NoVa War Eagles and Parkside Shutdown Warriors get together, they put on a performance to be remembered! In week 2, these teams squared off and PSW squeaked out a nail-biter by a final score of 14-12. Last Saturday was not much different.

The Parkside Shutdown Warriors opened up the scoring when quarterback, John Griffith found Reginald Proctor Jr. in the flats. Proctor made a two defenders miss before out-running the rest and pushing PSW to an early 6-0 lead. The War Eagles answered back quickly. Following a Nate Kurisky sack/strip, Ethan Nicely rumbled into the end zone from 5 yards out, tying the score at 6 a piece.

John Griffith is widely considered to be amongst the most polished QB’s at this level, and he made a point to show why on Saturday. PSW’s second score came when he threaded the needle to Austin Cartwright, throwing the ball through defenders across the middle for the touchdown. After the conversion, PSW would lead by a margin of 13-6, which is where it would stay momentarily.

In this game, the War Eagles welcomed back running back Justin Lewis and he added an extra element to their offense. He’s a game breaker and his speed was on full display all afternoon long. His second half jaunt into the end zone closed the gap to 13-12, and despite the failed conversion, the two teams were setting up for another great finish.

After going back and forth though, PSW seized control with their ground game. There were many stars on display, but Reginald Proctor Jr. shined brightest. His fourth quarter touchdown run put the game out of reach, as the Parkside Shutdown Warriors would go on to win, 20-12.

Proctor Jr. was named game MVP for good reason. He is a physical runner with good vision, balance and excellent speed. PSW has a deadly aerial attack, but it is Proctor’s ground game that makes the difference. His physical running style sets the tone. His aggressive style of play embodies who and what PSW is when they’re playing their best and the team feeds off of his emotions.

Reginald Proctor Jr. has the physical talents needed to make an impact at the next level. So long as he maintains his academics and continues to grow and develop as a young man, the sky is the limit for him.