Security Federal Athlete of the Week: Aug. 28 - Sept. 3

Partnering with Security Federal, the Warren County Sports Authority will honor a standout local athlete of the week. The WCSA and the friendliest bank in town love seeing great athletic achievement and there are plenty to pick from every week in Warren County. From winter to summer, spring to fall, and on courts, fields, diamonds, dance floors, and anywhere else an athlete can succeed, Security Federal and the Sports Authority are going to be on the lookout for the best of the best!

Athlete of the week: Nate Elrod, QB

Although beside Nate Elrod's name it says “QB”, it has to be noted that he is one of the few young men who plays offense, defense, and special teams for the Pioneer football team.

Running the ball has been the shining example of the Pioneer offense for the past few seasons. This year hasn’t started much differently. The Pioneers have several players who can make big plays with their feet, and Elrod is one of them.

In the first game of the season, Nate had 92 rushing yards, One of which was a huge 71 yard touchdown run that gave the Pioneers a 7 point lead against DeKalb County. The second game he may have only had 57 yards rushing but he still was able to use his feet to make plays against the Sparta defense. This past weekend at Ridgeway, Nate was able to tack on a touchdown from a 56 yard run.

After two games, it seemed the Pioneers were going to continue to use their weapons and run the ball. Although it may have worked against Ridgeway, the Pioneer coaching staff decided it was time to put the ball in the air more than normal. This scheme worked for the Pioneers as Nate had two touchdown passes to Alex van Vuuuren. One was a 19 yard touchdown throw in the corner of the endzone and the other was a wide open touchdown throw that covered 43 yards in the fourth quarter.

The Pioneers showed Friday that there is a threat when the Pioneers can get the ball in the hands of the receivers as well. This is good news for the Pioneer faithful as the Pioneers used their combination run and pass game to get their first win of the season.

Nate is also a leader on the Pioneer defense where he plays Will linebacker and safety and has recorded 24 tackles in the first three games. Against Ridgeway, he also was called on to return punts.

We look forward to seeing more of what Nate and Squad 54 can do as the Pioneers head to Mount Juliet High School on Friday, Sept. 9. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.