George Pettaway was voted Suffolk News-Herald Player of the Week after rushing for 194 yards and three touchdowns in a Saints win over Christchurch School.

Pettaway, a freshman on the Nansemond-Suffolk Academy football team, is off to a great start this season. Through four games, he has more than 600 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns. At the running back position, he has picked up where he left off from last season. His game against Christchurch seems to have been a normal weekly output for Pettaway this season. In the team’s 41-6 win, he had 194 yards on the ground and three touchdowns. Pettaway felt good about his performance but gave the ultimate praise to his teammates.

“I felt good about the things I could do for my team,” he said. “Props to my offensive line for the blocking. They made it easy for me.”

Pettaway’s elusiveness and unwillingness to go down by one defender make it hard for his opponents. Coach Mike Biehl has spoken on several occasions about how he holds his breath when Pettaway gets to the second level. He knows at any time he can break a long run for a touchdown.

“I feel like once I get to the second level, I can make anyone look silly,” Pettaway said.

Last season, Pettaway was an All-Conference selection and an All-State honorable mention. To take the next step this season, he wanted to aim even higher with his goals. All he wants to do this year is to be the best teammate he can be and do whatever his teammates and coaches ask of him.

“I am never satisfied with my play,” he said. “As far as what I did last year, that wasn’t where I wanted to stay. I wanted to continue to get better, stronger and faster and just continue to be a good teammate.”

Pettaway hasn’t yet been mentioned among the top players in his position throughout Hampton Roads, but it doesn’t bother him. Until his name is mentioned as the best, he will continue to work harder. In his mind, he has something to prove. His family motivates him every time he steps on the field. Knowing he has a great opportunity every time he steps on the field motivates him as well.

When he is working on being better and watching different players, Pettaway likes to watch Adrian Peterson. Peterson is the current Washington Redskins running back likely headed for the Hall of Fame. He likes to study Le’Veon Bell, who plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers, as well.

“Peterson runs with determination, and that’s something I admire,” he said. “Bell is very patient, and that’s something I try to take and learn.”

This season, Pettaway hopes to break the 1,500 yards from scrimmage mark. Right now, he is on pace to have almost 1,400 yards in rushing yards alone. As the season goes on, he will continue to raise his game.