Twin Valley’s Mason Marks is Body Zone Physical Therapy Defensive Player of the Week
Body Zone Physical Therapy Defensive Player of the Week
Mason Marks was waiting for a second chance. When it came the Twin Valley junior made the most of it.
Marks intercepted a pass and recorded a safety to spark the Raiders’ comeback in a 43-20 Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 3 victory Friday over Daniel Boone.
“He was ready when his moment was called and had a bunch of big plays that led to our success,” said Twin Valley coach Brett Myers.
The third-quarter safety was a turning point for the Raiders and a key reason Marks has been named Body Zone Physical Therapy Defensive Player of the Week. He is the first Twin Valley player to earn a Player of the Week award this season.
The Raiders, who trailed 20-7 early in the third quarter, wrested back control of the game and took their first lead on Evan Johnson’s long TD run in the final seconds of the third quarter. A few minutes later Marks, a 5-7, 160-pound strong safety, came off the edge and tackled quarterback Dean Rotter for a safety, giving Twin Valley its first two-possession lead of the game. It was one of two sacks and seven tackles for Marks.
“That play led to a true momentum shift,” Myers said of the safety. “It gave us some separation. It really propelled us over the next quarter.”
The Raiders ended the game scoring 36 unanswered points.
Marks helped Twin Valley get on the board in the second quarter when he intercepted a pass and returned it 30 yards, giving the Raiders a first down inside the 10. Jaydon Goebel followed with an 8-yard TD run.
“He read the route, was patient, and stepped in front of the ball and picked it off in the flat,” Myers said.
Marks started some games early in the season but has been used as a backup defensive back in recent weeks. When an illness opened a starting spot he was the next man up, and he stepped up.
“What a great message to all the young players on the team to prepare because you never know when your chance is going to come,” Myers aid. “He’s a great example of that.”
Marks plays on all of the Raiders’ special teams, covering kickoffs and punts and returning kickoffs.
“He’s the type of kid you can consider a glue guy on your team,” Myers said. “He holds it together. He works hard and doesn’t always get attention but he’s always working, and it paid off. He’s coming on strong and played his best game of the season.”
Players considered for Body Zone Physical Therapy Defensive Player of the Week honors are nominated by their coaches or by members of the MikeDragoSports.com coverage team.
Also considered this week:
- Josiah Jordan, CB, Berks Catholic
- Ethan Lafferty, FS, Kutztown
- Mike Miller, DB, Muhlenberg
- Luke Spotts, LB, Schuylkill Valley
- Nick Crocona, LB, Wilson
Selected earlier this season:
- Week 1: Jonathan Martin, LB, Exeter
- Week 2: Nate Capitano, S, Wilson
- Week 3: Ethan Kryman, LB, Daniel Boone
- Week 4: Nate Pashley, S, Exeter
- Week 5: Nafis Blythe, DE, Berks Catholic
- Week 6: Nick Weitzel, DE, Wilson
- Week 7: Ryker Jones, LB, Wyomissing
- Week 8: Drew Eisenhower, SS, Wyomissing
Selected last season as Defensive Player of the Week:
- Week 1: Brett Organtini, LB, Conrad Weiser
- Week 2: Eden Johnson, S, Gov. Mifflin
- Week 3: Josiah Jordan, CB, Berks Catholic
- Week 4: Matt Kramer, LB, Wyomissing
- Week 5: Ryan Souder, LB, Daniel Boone
- Week 6: Nevin Carter, CB, Wyomissing
- Week 7: Nate Goodman, DE, Gov. Mifflin
- Week 8: Sam Orzolek, T, Exeter
- Week 9: Cam Jones, CB, Wilson
- Week 10: Aaron Shuker, LB, Muhlenberg
- Week 11: Mitchell Watt, DE, Hamburg
- Week 12: Tyler Givens, DE, Berks Catholic
- Week 13: Jack Miller, LB, Wyomissing
- Week 14: Ty Yocum, LB, Exeter
