Blaze McDaniel earned a starting spot in Greenwood’s[1] secondary this season. In a huge late September game, McDaniel definitely validated that decision from Bulldog head football coach Chris Young and his staff.
McDaniel, a 5-foot-7 senior, played a huge role in Greenwood’s 35-24 win against Shiloh Christian on Sept. 26, a rematch of the Bulldogs’ Class 6A state championship win against the Saints the previous season.
Going up against Shiloh’s pass-oriented offense, McDaniel came up huge, breaking up five passes. He was also in on four tackles as the Bulldogs held the Saints to 195 yards passing for the game and just six points in the second half.
“Our defense did a great job preparing the week of the game studying their offense,” McDaniel said. “Most importantly, we brought the energy and made sure to leave it all out on the field. Being able to protect and defend our titles really made the game special to not only us as players on the team, but also former players and coaches that were involved with the titles that we get to protect.”
That was something McDaniel definitely did. McDaniel – who plays cornerback and safety – and his fellow Greenwood defenders also made four consecutive stops on Shiloh, a span from late in the opening half into the second half. During that time, Greenwood expanded its lead, going from 21-18 at halftime to a commanding 35-18 advantage.
“I have been very lucky to be able to start the past couple of games,” McDaniel said. “It took lots of hours of hard work during the week preparing and getting better. Being able to start against Shiloh was a huge honor to be able to defend our home for my teammates and former players before us.”
Prior to being a starter, McDaniel felt it was in the best interests of the team to provide motivational support. When he was first tabbed to finally start this season, McDaniel felt a tremendous surge of pride. He then wanted to do his best to take advantage of that opportunity.
“My initial reaction to getting that starting spot was (I was) honored,” McDaniel said. “But also understanding that I need to do everything I can to keep it and show the coaches that I deserve to be on the field.”
McDaniel also intercepted a pass in Greenwood’s win at Northside in early September.
“I’ve really seen improvement through his first couple of games,” Young said. “He’s physical for a smaller guy. I think he’s gaining more confidence with every snap he plays.”
Football is the only sport McDaniel plays in high school. While he enjoys the privilege of playing for one of the elite teams in Arkansas, McDaniel confided that he and his teammates have very high standards to live up to, considering the Bulldogs’ tradition and winning ways. In fact, the win against Shiloh was the 72nd consecutive win the Bulldogs enjoyed on the friendly confines of Smith-Robinson Stadium, as Greenwood has never lost a home game since the 2014 playoffs.
“Playing for Greenwood is a very tough task; we are held accountable for everything we do on and off the field,” McDaniel said. “But the brothers, bonds and memories make it all worth it.”
And if one is wondering about his first name, McDaniel confirmed that Blaze isn’t his nickname, but rather his given one.
“The name Blaze was given to me by my parents,” he said.
When he’s not playing football, McDaniel likes to hang out with friends and enjoys fishing. He has a 3.8 grade-point average and plans to attend trade school once McDaniel graduates from Greenwood.
Related
References
- ^ Greenwood’s (www.greenwooddogpound.com)