Teays Physical Therapy Center, Inc. is pleased to present this week’s “Gridiron Gamer of the Week” award to Derek McClure of Poca High School. 

The Poca Dots football team has had an up and down 2007 season.  Coming into the week, they stood at a record of 3 wins and 3 losses, leaving little room for error in the remaining games.  The Point Pleasant Knights were the opponents, and they weren’t to be taken lightly. 

Late in the game with the scored tied 21-21, Poca looked to the leadership of senior running back Derek McClure to lead them to victory.  McClure carried three consecutive times to score the game winning touchdown with less than 50 seconds remaining to secure a 28-21 win over Point Pleasant.  McClure finished with 126 yards on 17 carries.  He also had 2 touchdowns, 1 from 41 yards out.  When asked about the success of the team, Derek replies, “We are starting to come together.  We worked hard through the week and didn’t give up at the end of the game, which allowed me to get in and score.” 

Derek has been a vital contributor to the Poca offense all year long.  Derek feels that the Dots can reach the playoffs once again if they set their goals high.  “We, as a team, tried to set our goal not to lose another game this year.  So far we have played well since doing that, and we hope to finish the season at 7-3 with some momentum going into the playoffs." 

Derek not only excels on the field, but off the field as well where he carries a 3.4 Grade Point Average. 

McClure’s running style despite his smaller stature is often likened to the style of fullback Owen Schmitt from West Virginia University. McClure abandons the side to side running for a more north south running style, and opponents often pay when they try to tackle them.

Please look for Derek and other local area high school athletes to be named next week’s Gridiron Gamer of the Week sponsored by Teays Physical Therapy Center, Inc.