A star is born for Narbonne
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Few if any high schools can match the movie credits of Marshall. Popular films ‘Grease’ and ‘Space Jam’ have been shot on this picturesque campus loaded with historical architecture.
That was one reason Narbonne Coach Manuel Douglas was excited to have his team play at Marshall on Friday, where the location could serve as a great backdrop for one of his future stars.
‘We’ve had great runners before and we have some great runners now, but I think there’s something special about this kid,’ said Douglas, pointing to 6-foot-2, 190-pound running back Melvin Davis, only a sophomore.
‘He can get a little silly, but what 14- or 15-year-old kid doesn’t get silly sometimes? Just watch the way he runs today.’
Douglas has a right to feel excited. Davis carried the ball five times in the first half for an estimated 74 yards against the overwhelmed Barristers. He scored a touchdown on his first carry, a 14-yard run around the right side that was so well blocked there wasn’t a Marshall defender within five yards of him.
It wasn’t just his size and strength. Davis’ long-legged stride makes it appear he’s not running fast, but he gobbles up yardage in chunks. He is also blessed to run behind an offensive line that features four players weighing 300 pounds or more.
Davis wasn’t the only one who stood out for the Gauchos, who steamrollered their way to a 43-0 halftime lead. Quarterback Josh Moten had two touchdown passes . Narbonne’s defense made so many big hits that the crowd was getting hoarse from all its oohing and aahing.
Davis won’t be a secret by the time Narbonne enters Marine League play, but he displayed the kind of physical potential that will keep defensive coordinators up at night, trying to figure out a way to stop him.
- Mike Terry