REFORM, Ala. — De”Marko Hall didn”t have an illusions of grandeur Friday night.
But the Pickens County High School standout believed he could find a way to help the Tornadoes upset preseason No. 2 American Christian Academy in Tuscaloosa, Ala., despite being at less than 100 percent and missing a preseason scrimmage because of a left shoulder injury.
“I had a lot of motivation,” Hall said. “I was out of the jamboree and the intrasquad game. I was just hungry to get back out on the field.”
Imagine what Hall will be able to do when he is at full strength.
Hall had a record-breaking performance in Pickens County”s 47-42 victory, scoring six touchdowns, including the game-winner on a 2-yard run with 19.5 seconds remaining in the game.
For his accomplishments, Hall is The Dispatch”s Prep Player of the Week. He also earned the honor Monday from The Tuscaloosa (Ala.) News.
Hall rushed for 72 yards and had three touchdowns, he had 86 receiving yard and another score, and had 225 return yards, including 99 1/2- and an 84-yard returns for scores. Factor in two interceptions, including one he returned for 55 yards, and he finished with 438 all-purpose yards.
His 99 1/2-yard kick return broke a school record set in 1986. His six touchdowns and all-purpose yardage total also are believed to be school records.
The six touchdowns and yardage total also are personal bests.
“I was pretty happy, but I am not getting a big head,” Hall said. “Breaking three records in a game is something you rarely see in a game, so I was just glad I did that.”
Pickens County coach Patrick Plott didn”t have any second thoughts about using Hall in as many aspects as he did, even after holding him out last week of a scrimmage against South Lamar. He wasn”t surprised by Hall”s performance because he said the senior running back/cornerback is capable of making a game-changing play whenever he touches the football.
“The kid is a winner,” Plott said. “He wants to do whatever it takes to win. If we would have asked him to play offensive line I think he would have done it. Whatever he has to do to help this team win, I think he”ll do it.”
Hall raised his level in the second half to help the Tornadoes rally from a 26-14 halftime deficit. He said he had more intensity and “gave it all he got”, especially on defense, to help his team regroup. He said he also was able to put thoughts about his shoulder out of his mind. He still wears a shoulder harness to help keep his shoulder in place. He said he is about “85 percent” and continues to do physical therapy to strengthen his shoulder after suffering a partial dislocation and torn ligaments at a recent practice.
Hall said he might have to have surgery on his shoulder after the season.
As dangerous as Hall was on offense, he said he would rather play defense. He has confidence his offense will come in part because of his faith in the play of his offensive line.
If he had a choice, though, he would pick defense. He credited Nick Stewart for helping force a turnover early in the third quarter that helped turn the tide.
“I wish it was a region game, but it was a good game for us to see where we”re at,” Hall said. “ACS is a good team. They have a good quarterback, and they have an all-around program.”
Hall”s performance likely will give the Tornadoes a boost. Pickens County was also receiving votes in Class 1A in the Alabama Sports Writers Association preseason, while ACA was ranked No. 2 in Class. With Hall and classmates LaJuan Doss, Warren Betts, and Stewart and sophomore quarterback Devonte Simon leading the way, the Tornadoes have high expectations for this season. Hall said a key to realizing those goals will be staying focused and not getting overconfident from one victory.
“If we keep doing what we”re doing, it would carry us to a championship,” Hall said.
Hall also hopes his performance attracts attention from colleges in hopes of earning a scholarship offer. He said the University of Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee, Mississippi State, Alabama State, Murray State, and others already have shown interest. He isn”t sure what position he might get a chance to play, but he plans to keep doing what he did Friday night and see how far it can help take the Tornadoes.
“I have faith in myself now after doing what we did against a good team like ACS,” Hall said. “I don”t believe we will see teams (as tough as that) until we play Linden or Sweet Water, somebody like that. I don”t see anybody touching us.
“I am going to continue to put up the same yardage every week. It puts a lot of pressure on me, knowing everybody is going to be focused on me, but I have to get it done. If I can”t get it done I am just going to have to pass it on to my teammates, or do it on defense.”
Adam Minichino is the former Sports Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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