DAHLONEGA — Two years ago, Zach Matthews punished opposing defenses with regularity, helping Lumpkin County to a state playoff berth.
Last season, however, the Indians standout struggled to continue that impact, as his team stumbled to a 2-8 record.
Matthews' tank is gassed up and ready to rumble again in 2016, however. And he has proved it, rushing for 727 yards and seven touchdowns in four games, helping Lumpkin County to a 2-2 record -- already equalling the team's win total from 2015 in the process.
Yet Friday night's Region 7-AAA opener was perhaps the most impressive outing so far for the running back, as the senior gashed East Hall for 244 yards rushing and three scores in a 30-27 win over the Vikings.
For his efforts, Matthews has been named the Locos Grill and Pub Friday Game Night Player of the Week.
The win not only helped the Indians recover from a tough loss the week before but also set them off on the right step in Region 7-AAA.
With that in mind, AccessWDUN sports and Friday Game Night editor Morgan Lee recently caught up with Matthews to talk about his big night, averaging 181.8 yards rushing per game and how his team has responded this season.
2016 Locos Grill and Pub Friday Game Night Players of the Week
Week 1 -- Edmond Graham, receiver, Mill Creek
Week 2 -- Kyle Bacus, running back, North Hall
Week 3 -- Griffin Goodwin, quarterback, Banks County
Week 4 -- Bailey Fisher, quarterback, Rabun County
Week 5 -- Kaleb Crane, quarterback, White County
Week 6 -- Zach Matthews, running back, Lumpkin County
http://accesswdun.com/article/2016/9/450259/bvideob-player-of-the-week-matthews-runs-lumpkin-to-key-region-win