The Messenger Offensive Player of the Week

South Fulton’s Chance Barnes

Chance Barnes
School: South Fulton
Grade: Junior
Height: 5-10
Weight: 180
Pos.: Running back

By the numbers: Barnes was a dual threat as a rusher/receiver despite the Red Devils’ season-opening 36-27 loss to West Carroll. He led SF with 92 yards on the ground in just five carries, including a 52-yard touchdown dash on the first snap of the second half. He also grabbed five passes from freshman QB Jacquay Garmon — good for a team-best 79 yards — with a 19-yard scoring toss among those catches. All totaled, Barnes gained 171 from the line of scrimmage on just 10 touches.

Sound bite: “I thought he had the potential to have a breakout season this year,” SF head coach Kelly Spivey said of Barnes. “Our offensive line, other backs and receivers did a great job in blocking for Chance on Friday and then, he made some good plays like he’s capable of and gave us an overall great effort. I think he’s very deserving of this award.”

HONORABLE MENTION: Patrick Haskins, OC senior quarterback, ran for a touchdown and threw for another score for the second straight week despite the Rebels’ 27-20 loss in Byhalia (Miss.). Haskins completed 12-of-25 passes for 164 yards, including a 29-yarder to Tanner Cary, and also gained 46 yards on 20 rushes with a six-yard TD included; Tanner Cary, OC sophomore wide receiver, had a team-high six catches for 92 yards and a 29-yard touchdown reception in Central’s setback.