Wood challenged the senior during halftime of the Banks County game a month ago that he wasn't running hard. Walker took the first pitch of the second half of that game for a 64-yard TD and he hasn't stopped since.
"I haven't coached a better running back ever," Wood said. "He's an amazing runner with a great knack of getting into the end zone and instincts that are just unbelievable. He's just now reaching the potential I knew he had."
Even though it took 1,236 yards and 24 touchdowns to convince Wood, don't be too tough on the coach. He already knew what he had. He had to convince Walker.
"When you're that good you can rest on that. But I knew he could be something even more special and he needed to know that. He's responded to the challenge like someone who finally realizes that they can be something better," Wood said.
Walker and the Wolves can put the finishing touches on their drive for a second straight Region 8-AA crown when they play host to Apalachee Friday night.
Buford (8-0, 6-0) has been dominating all season allowing just 30 points. The defense pitched four shut outs to start the season and has allowed just 3.7 points a game.
Meanwhile, behind Walker, the Wolves have scored at least 30 points a game seven times, 40 points five times and 50 points once.
Wood said last week's 41-8 win over Madison County was probably their best game of the season.
"We looked explosive and executed the best all year on offense. We put four quarters together and just dominated them," he said.
Apalachee (3-6, 3-4) has already surpassed last year's win total but has lost four of its last five games. The Wildcats have allowed 40 or more points in three of their last four games.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2003/11/169640