John Woods completed 18 of his 25 passes for 283 yards and four touchdowns in a win against Deep Creek High School last week, leading to his being named the Duke Automotive-Suffolk News-Herald Player of the Week.

Woods is the senior starting quarterback for the King’s Fork High School football team. Though he didn’t own that title at the beginning of the season, an opportunity presented itself for Woods to be under center, and he has done his best to try to take advantage of it. After having the best game of his season last week, he is humbled to know his hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“I am truly honored, and I’d like to thank everyone who voted for me,” Woods said. “I couldn’t have done it without my teammates, coaches and my family.”

Woods knew it was possible he could have a career game last week. His practice week was good, and he felt prepared to lead his team. His 283 yards were part of the 600-plus yards the team amassed on offense last week.

“I just took it one play at a time and tried to move the ball down the field,” Woods said of his performance against Deep Creek. “The line did a great job blocking, and the running backs and receivers all had great nights as well, which made my job a lot easier.”

Woods has started four games this season and is excited to have had the opportunity. His coaches and teammates have been very supportive, which has helped him tremendously.

“I’ve been working towards this for a number of years, and I’m happy to have the opportunity,” Woods said of his starting quarterback opportunity. “Being an athlete is a lifestyle for me. I work year-around for football season, and I’m doing my best to enjoy my last high school games.”

The senior Bulldog is motivated by competition. He loves pushing others to be better and knows if he is getting better in that process, it’s a win for both him and the people around him. His father has played a huge role in his football career, as he coached him in Pop Warner. Woods’ father has always inspired him to be the best he can be.

Woods also admires Russell Wilson, quarterback for the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks, mainly because he is undersized for his position and is still able to play effectively.

“We are trying to lay the foundation down for guys coming behind us,” said Woods, who was voted by his teammates as a senior captain. “The seniors and I want to make sure we set a good example before we leave.”

“John is one of those kids that never quits,” Bulldogs coach Scottie Littles said. “When things weren’t going his way, he stayed the course, he kept working hard, and kept being part of the team. He has persevered through a lot this season. He’s getting better every practice, and we’ve given him freedom to command our offense.”

After his senior year is over, Woods has plans to attend the University of Virginia and major in mechanical engineering. His biggest goal for himself is to keep good grades so that he can attend college. Woods also likes to describe himself as an “adrenaline junkie,” because in the offseason he likes to race dirt bikes and surf.