Salem is still undefeated almost mid-way through this season. The Spartans have found a nice balance of both offense and defense.
One player who has been a standout on both sides of the ball is Phillip Hughes.
"The first thing that was on my mind was catch the ball. Then its try to get as many yards as I can. If I can get to the endzone than get to the endzone," said Hughes.
Eight catches, 150 yards and two touchdowns, not a bad day for a senior wide receiver against the defending state champion Northside Vikings . But it has not always come that easy for Phillip Hughes.
"No offense to him, but he was not too good. He developed his hands and he has the speed so it worked out," said Adam McGarrell.
"We knew he was an athlete, but he was a little raw out there and he just needed a little time," said Stephen Magenbauer.
Hughes is much improved this year, he gives the credit to his quarterback and coaches.
"In the off-season, I just worked with out quarterback Ada McGarrell on our timing and just getting stuff down. In the off-season, he pushed us a lot. A little more than we did in the past," said Hughes.
Phillips progression on offense took so long because he is naturally gifted athlete that played a different position most of his life.
"Defense is a lot easier for me because this is just my second season playing receiver," said Hughes.
"He just has a great motor. He is big and strong he is aggressive and relentless. He is just a joy to watch on film and we are glad that we have him on our team," said Magenbauer.
That natural ability helped him to account for two and a half sacks and five solo tackles in last Fridays win over Northside. While it is common to see a player spend time on both offense and defense, it is rare a player possess the strength to be a defensive end and the speed to be a wide receiver.
"This is where he started with us at defensive end. That is where he started with us. He started at defensive end and now he can step out there at a position at receiver that is less physical and really do a lot for us," said Magenbauer.
Phillip Hughes, an outstanding player on both offense and defense with an outstanding performance in a big game is good enough for Player of the Week Honors.
