Semifinal Player of the Week: Pierce County’s Caden McGatha

Pierce County put the ball and its semifinal fate in the hands of Caden McGatha last week. Running or passing on 51 of Pierce’s 53 plays, the junior quarterback produced 388 total yards and scored his team’s five touchdowns in a 35-7 victory over Fitzgerald.

“He’s a great teammate first,” Pierce County coach Ryan Herring said. “He’s got great teammates blocking for him. He is a very tough kid, which we need at that position.”

McGatha rushed for 328 yards on 38 carries and was 8-of-13 passing for 60 yards. He has rushed for 1,911 yards and passed for 1,876 this season and could become what's believed to be just the second Georgia player to rush and pass for 2,000 in both categories. LaGrange’s Taeo Todd accomplished the feat last season.

McGatha is GHSF Daily’s Player of the Week. The award is sponsored by Sports Turf.