Yesterday, in a Public League AA game at Germantown's field that likely decided the regular-season championship (yes, even though we're only in mid-September), Ward starred on both sides of the ball as Bok jolted Imhotep Charter, 24-6.
On offense, lining up at split end, Ward made no catches. And in the interest of full disclosure, it must be reported that he did drop a pass. However, Ward's presence alone opened up the running game and you can imagine how intimidating, and effective, he was as a downfield blocker.
On defense, as an end in a four-man line, he recorded three tackles behind the line (1.5 sacks were included) and his pressure helped to force four interceptions.
To boot, he guided the troops.
"When I'm out there playing, everything has to be 100 percent," Ward said. "If not, the mission's a failure. We have to keep our heads in the game at all time.
"I'm always trying to put things back together. If one play gets messed up, that doesn't mean the whole game will. I constantly remind my teammates of that."
Bok's one messed-up play, from the defensive standpoint, occurred 5 minutes, 39 seconds before halftime as Imhotep's Eerin Young scampered 97 yards for a touchdown. Thereafter, the Panthers managed just one first down.
"That kind of stuff makes me happy, when we shut people down," Ward beamed.
Early, Ward was experiencing a hint of frustration.
"Their tackle, No. 70 [Aaron Ruff], was doing a good job against me," he said. "And they were sending their fullback at me, too. I was trying to come up with different moves [against Ruff] to get around him. I hand it to him. I liked going against him. Made for good competition."
