DIVISION III HONORS: The Meadows’ Woodson can’t be ignored

Linemen rarely win high-profile awards in football because the position flies under the radar and is often taken for granted.

However, it was impossible to ignore The Meadows’ Mark Woodson since he was often the most dominant player on the field on both sides of the ball this season. Coaches took note of that, voting the 6-foot-3-inch, 230-pound senior as the Division III Southern League Player of the Year.

“It’s definitely an honor,” Woodson said. “I feel like I was a little quicker, a little stronger and a lot more experienced this year.”

Woodson, who won the Defensive Player of the Year and Offensive Lineman of the Year awards last season, was an even bigger force this season in leading the Mustangs to the Division III state final.

An offseason in the weight room, paired with a camp at the University of San Diego and countless hours on the practice field, made him unstoppable at times. The Meadows coach Frank DeSantis wasn’t surprised by Woodson’s continued emergence. It’s what he expected.

“He definitely earned it,” DeSantis said. “His work ethic is unbelievable. He’s a great kid and he doesn’t stop. He’ll go four quarters on both sides. I can’t say enough about him.

“There were times he’d really embarrass me through the season. We’d have a practice, and then after practice, he’d be running gassers on his own. I’m like, ‘Did I not work him enough?’”

Woodson, who has garnered interest from a few schools, is still waiting to make a college decision. He hopes to continue playing football, but also wants a school where he can study computer engineering.

DeSantis said Woodson will be successful wherever he goes.

“He’s always in a good mood, always happy,” DeSantis said. “He’s quiet, soft spoken, but he knows what’s going on. You tell him something once and he does it.”

Woodson’s teammate, Max Hisatake, won Lineman of the Year, and DeSantis was honored as the Coach of the Year for the Mustangs.

Lincoln County’s McClain O’Connor won Offensive Player of the Year, and Needles’ Kobee McCorkle was selected Defensive Player of the Year.

Contact reporter Ashton Ferguson at aferguson@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0430. Follow him on Twitter: @af_ferguson.