The 49ers High School Player of the Week Award for week 5 goes to Noah Cryns of Pacific Grove High School in Pacific Grove, CA.
You would have never guessed the Pacific Grove Breakers were without their starting quarterback in their last game after the performance #33 put up Friday night. The Pacific Grove Breakers broke a two-game losing streak under the leadership* *of their star quarterback, Noah Cryns, with Friday's commanding win over the Marina Mariners. The Breakers defeated the Mariners 42-10.
Noah Cryns did not miss a beat in his return Friday. Cryns was sidelined for their previous game against Fremont due to illness. The senior quarterback was able to get healthy and bounce back over the course of their bye week, and came out strong Friday against Marina. In his return, Cryns' put up a measly six touchdowns; three through the air and ran for three more. He recorded 134 total rushing yards.
Cryns has three years of varsity experience, but this is his first season as the Breakers' signal caller. In fact, Cryns was the 'Mission Trail Running Back of the Year' in 2015, with over 1,000 yards on the season and fourteen touchdowns. With a large departure of seniors, the coaching staff decided to move their premiere running back to quarterback this season.
"He is a great athlete. We knew how great of an athlete he was, knew he could run the ball, and now he's proven he can throw the ball as well," said Pacific Grove Head Coach Chris Morgan.
In just the three games Cryns has started at quarterback this season, he has already recorded 355 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, and 440 passing yards and four passing touchdowns.
With his change in position, his leadership skills have only magnified.
"He has always been the ultimate 'leader by example' and he does a great job of doing so. He's the hardest worker in the weight room, very competitive, but he's also grown to be more of a vocal leader, which has been great," said Coach Morgan.
"He is a great choice for this award and I'm glad to see him get such recognition. He is just a great kid. He is very coachable and just fun to be around. We'll laugh and joke and have a good time, but when it comes time to buckle down… he wants the ball in his hands, and that's the way we want it too," said Coach Morgan.
Cryns is just as impressive in the classroom as he is on the football field. Cryns maintains a GPA over 4.0 and is very focused on excelling in school. He puts a great deal of work and emphasis on his education, and is focused on furthering his college aspirations. He is interested in pursuing an engineering degree and looks forward to attending a great university in the fall.
Cryns and the Pacific Grove Breakers, 2-2, look to continue their rebound when they host Stevenson this Friday in a conference match-up.
"He really defines our team. When he's on the field we are a different team," said his head coach.
As the home school of the 49ers High School Player of the Week, Pacific Grove High School will receive a $500 grant for their football program from the 49ers Foundation. As part of this award, Noah will receive two tickets to a 49ers home game where he will be recognized on the field. At the end of the season, Noah will be invited to the SAP Performance Facility to watch a closed practice where 49ers head coach, Chip Kelly, will officially present him with his award.
Congratulations Noah!
