Nansemond River High School running back Terrence Lambert wants to leave his mark on school history in his senior year, and he took a big step toward that end with his recent performance against Hickory High School.

He carried the ball eight times on Sept. 25 against the visiting Hawks, accumulating 100 yards and three touchdowns to contribute to a school-record total of 61 points.

For his sizable part in the Warriors’ 61-6 victory, Lambert was nominated and has won the title of Duke Automotive-Suffolk News-Herald Player of the Week.

Lambert said he met his own expectations but was quick to praise his offensive line for its blocking in the rainy conditions that night.

“I love my linemen,” he said, after going through all the names of people who helped pave the way for him.

He started with junior John Carter, noting “that was his first time ever playing as a varsity fullback.”

Then he continued, listing senior Jarrett Hopple, senior Jonathan Hope, senior Seth Repko, junior Dia Gray, senior Deondre Lacey and junior Brandon Reese.

Lambert said he and his linemen have a really good connection that shows on Friday nights.

Warriors coach David Coccoli has been pleased by Lambert’s play thus far this year.

“We’re very proud of him,” he said. “He’s rushed for over 500 yards in the four games.”

Coccoli noted Lambert has developed significantly from the beginning of his junior season up to now.

He said Lambert is “much more explosive through the hole, and he’s gained 15 pounds and he hasn’t lost any speed, and we’re excited about that and what he can do the rest of the year.”

Lambert has seen changes in himself since last year, too.

“I really believe that between last year and this year, I think I’m playing with a lot more confidence in myself,” he said, adding that he is also having more fun this year.

He said his mother, Angela Lambert, helps motivate him, giving him a variety of exhortations before each game, including that if he wants to be great, he’s got to go out there and get it himself — he needs to stand out.

“I try to keep that in mind as I’m playing and try to stand out and woo the crowd as she would say,” he said.

Angela Lambert said, “One thing in particular I tell him — captivate his audience.”

And he hopes to do so all the way to the NFL. He currently has interest from Liberty University, the University of Richmond, Virginia Military Institute, Boston College, Shenandoah University and Randolph-Macon College.

“I’m really hoping that my work will eventually turn into offers from these schools,” he said.

On his way to that goal, he hopes to see Nansemond River be a winning program and make a deep playoff run this year.

“Personally, I’m going to rush for more than a thousand yards and just keep growing as a football player and as a person,” he said.