Boys Athlete of the Week – Julius Atherton, Wheeler

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Wheeler running back Julius Atherton is the First United Bank Boys Athlete of the Week. [Joe Garcia III/ Press Pass Sports]
On the field: Just like his Wheeler Mustang team, the bruising senior running back is quietly putting together a tremendous year on top of an MVP type season through 11 games.

Atherton was once again stellar for the Mustangs during a 44-14 win over Electra in the Class 2A Division II bi-district round, galloping for an eye-popping 230 yards on 27 carries, averaging 8.5 yards a carry scoring all six-Wheeler touchdowns.

On the season, Atherton has gone over the 200-yard mark four times and is currently closing in on 2,000 yards for the year sitting at 1,916.

Coach Matt Hoover: “Julius has been a workhorse for us all year. He has been able to keep us ahead of the sticks and he loves to follow the big guys in front of him. What I love about Julius is that he always gives credit to his offensive line. Those are the guys that don’t get the credit and he is always big on complimenting them and he knows they set the example. Julius is also the type of player that does whatever it takes to win. He leads practices and works hard every single day.”

Atherton: “We’ve been playing great, and I feel this team has really bonded. I don’t feel we quite had that connection last year like this team does. We have worked hard to be where we’re at and that’s because we have a lot of leaders. I know I’m not where I am if I don’t have the offensive line I do. Those guys are amazing, and I love running behind them. They’ve helped me become more of a downhill runner and I’m able to help move the sticks that way.”

About Atherton 

Favorite band or musician: Metallica

Favorite social media platform: Instagram

Favorite athlete: Adrian Peterson

Bet you didn’t know: He loves to bowl.

Grandparent: Angel Thomas

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