OAKWOOD — Two weeks ago Cameron Shirley was just a back-up quarterback trying to keep up with the game in case the call came.
When the call did come Shirley proved way more than an understudy.
The West Hall sophomore quarterbacked the Spartans to season-reviving victories over Fannin County and Banks County. After taking over for injured starter Jacob Satterfield in West Hall's first offensive series Shirley put up a handful of key plays in the double overtime defeat of the Rebels. He then soared in his second game as West Hall signal caller -- and first as a starter -- completed four passes for 137 yards and three touchdowns and rushing for 27 yards in a 27-20 defeat of the Leopards.
For his efforts, Shirley has been named the Locos Grill and Pub Friday Game Night Player of the Week.
Shirley's ability to step into the spotlight has been a key to West Hall getting back into the playoff race. The Spartans were mired in a five-game losing skid until the win at Fannin County. But the back-to-back victories have catapulted West Hall into the postseason battle in Region 7-AAA, as four squads duke it out for the last two available state berths -- Dawson County has already sealed the No. 1, while Dawson County is the No. 2.
West Hall, Banks County, Fannin County and Franklin County are all in the mix. But the Spartans will like their chances after two big wins, as the 2014 Region 7-AAA champs look to continue their late-season resurgence.
To watch a video presentation with Shirley, simply click "play" in the video above.
2015 Locos Grill and Pub Friday Game Night Players of the Week
Week 1 -- Colby Wood, Jefferson, Running Back
Week 2 -- Joseph Mancuso, Union County, Quarterback
Week 3 -- Messiah Dorsey, Gainesville, Quarterback
Week 4 -- Malik Tuck, Jackson County, Running Back
Week 5 -- Brock Landis, Winder-Barrow, Quarterback
Week 6 -- Trevae Cain, Banks County, Running Back
Week 7 -- Coey Watson, Dawson County, Quarterback
Week 8 -- Kyle Bacus, North Hall, Running Back
Week 9 -- Michael Babers, Habersham Central, Running Back
Week 10 -- Cameron Shirley, West Hall, Quarterback
