Garrett excels in many ways for WO-S

[KFDM COOP]

Garrett excels in many ways for WO-S

Van Wade

The Orange Leader

WEST ORANGE — Getting busy.

West Orange-Stark junior running back/noseguard Quintavious Garrett has done just that since coming back home to play for the West Orange-Stark Mustangs this season.

Actually, Garrett has been a sparkplug in all three phases of the game for the seventh-ranked Mustangs (9-1), who rolled to their fourth straight district title in the Class 3A ranks.

As a sophomore last year at Class 2A Cisco, Garrett rushed for 83 yards on 15 carries in the Division II state championship game as Cisco, which went 14-2, fell to a powerful Mart squad 23-13.

Garrett was thrilled about making the move back to his hometown and play with his brother in senior DePauldrick Garrett.

“I had a few setbacks but I was became so happy when I knew I was coming back home,†Garrett said. “I’ve always wanted to be a Mustang and here I am. To play with DePauldrick his senior year, it’s really a dream come true.â€

The only dreams the Garretts have been providing for opponents this season are of the nightmare variety.

DePauldrick, an all-district selection last year after rushing for 1,389 yards and 17 touchdowns for the 11-1 2006 Mustangs, has dashed for 1,057 yards and 18 TDs as a senior. Quintavious has certainly done his part despite not being the featured back — just yet. He has zipped around for 635 yards and six TDs on 70 carries, averaging more than nine yards a carry.

“I just do whatever is asked of me to help our team win,†Garrett said. “If I can throw a big block for DePauldrick I’m there. If we need a big run, I feel like I can do that too, especially behind our offensive line. It seems like those guys get better every week. If they open things up for us, I have a lot of confidence that DePauldrick, Ortavious (Hypolite) or I can create plenty of yards.â€

Long-time Mustang field general Dan Hooks loves what Garrett brings to the table.

“Quintavious is one of those kids that is tough as nails,†Hooks said. “He’ll go through a wall to get something done. He’s a kid that actually loves contact. He’ll put his neck out there against the best of them. Once he gets those legs churning and heads up field, he’s trouble. One thing you’re not going to do is arm-tackle him, he’ll go right through you.â€

The Garretts are almost mirror images of each other. DePauldrick is 5-7, 185 pounds while Quintavious is 5-7, 180 pounds.

“DePauldrick is such a tough player and I’ve learned so much from him,†said Garrett. “I know Kirbyville has a good back in Pierce Rhodes but I still think DePauldrick is the best back in our district.â€

Brotherly love only goes so far though at times.

“We’re constantly picking on one another about who gets the ball and who doesn’t,†Garrett said. “He keeps telling me next year will be by time as far as getting the ball more. It’s all about having fun with each other because we never get mad about things.â€

Both have similiar running styles, something opponents get headaches over.

“I think we’re both hard to get down,†Garrett said. “DePauldrick is strong and he has that extra step to take it all the way and he’s real elusive. Me, I’m not as elusive, but I feel that I finish off runs really strong. Put it this way, it’s hard to just arm-tackle a Garrett.â€

“The Garretts are quite the 1-2 punch,†Hooks said. “DePauldrick has really been someone that Quintavious can lean on and vice versa. Anyone would love to have their talents and here we are with two of them.â€

Garrett’s favorite moment this season came against Kirbyville, when he got loose on an important 65-yard run that gave the Mustangs momentum in a 31-7 victory, the only loss that 21-3A runnerup Kirbyville (9-1) suffered all season. He finished with 134 yards on 11 carries.

“There was a lot of hype about that game and all that whole week and we wanted to make a statement by winning at their house,†Garrett said. “It was tough in the first quarter but after that we took control. My numbers were good that night but it was all about the offensive line and their play that night. Since then, those big guys up front have been dominant up front.â€

Garrett also has no problems stepping in at noseguard at times.

“To play noseguard, you have to love some contact,†Garrett said. “People are coming at you from everywhere. That helps me a lot when I’m at running back. I’m not someone that is going to run out of bounds.â€

Garrett’s energy doesn’t stop there. He’s also a standout on special teams and is usually the first Mustang down the field on kickoff and punt returns.

“Special teams are something that you want to do, and I learned a lot about that part of the game while I was at Cisco,†said Garrett. “It’s not all about offense or defense, special teams can make you or break you.â€

Garrett and the Mustangs are honing in on the Coldspring Trojans, who they will take on Saturday in the bidistrict round of the Region III Class 3A Division II playoffs.

“The playoffs, it’s like a brand new season is starting up,†said Garrett. “The thing is, everybody that you play now will be pretty good. You can’t go into any games cocky and overconfident or the season can be over. At Cisco, we took it one week at a time and we had a great run all the way to step. I tell the guys how this week should be all about Coldspring and nothing else.â€

[stangchain]

I love to watch Quinny on the kickoffs.  He flat gets down the field and is there before the receiver can say squat.  Good article

[stang4life]

Well, for whoever is receiving the kickoff....you better hope that he doesn't get to you and hit you because he is the first one there and whoa......I'll just say...OUCH!!!

[mustang mom]

He is a hoss!! I'm so glad we have him. He is a pleasure to watch on the field, but more of a pleasure to know. Good luck to him, the "triple threat" and the rest of the 'Stangs! Take it all the way!!

[skipper]

this man man is super to watch i call him the HEAD HUNTER he never gives up no matter where he is on the field.