The 49ers High School Player of the Week Award for week 4 goes to Damari Cual-Davis of Jefferson High School in Daly City, CA.
The Jefferson Grizzlies defeated the visiting Lowell Cardinals in front of their home crowd 53-6. Senior quarterback Cual-Davis was at the helm of the high scoring win. #3 had an outstanding night, putting up nearly perfect numbers. Cual-Davis completed 12 of 13 passes Friday night for 305 total yards and 5 touchdowns. He also ran for 60 yards and added another touchdown for the Grizzlies with his legs.
Jefferson got out to an early lead, as it was a 22-0 ball game at the end of the first quarter. Lowell managed 6 points offensively but could not slow down the high powered offense Jefferson and Cual-Davis brought to the table. "Damari is unbelievably humble. He leads this offense, but he is the first to turn over that success to his teammates," said Jefferson Head Coach Will Maddox.
Damari Cual-Davis is all about the team. In fact, the best way to explain his devotion to the team, and him as a person came from an anecdote his coach shared. "We, as a coaching staff, were going to name him captain this season. But he respectfully declined it. He requested not to be captain because he felt there were other teammates that deserved it more than him. That move certainly speaks to his humility," said Coach Maddox. "He earned it, and deserved it, but he requested not to be. He is everything you could want in a team leader."
"He is the perfect leader of not only the offense, but this team. As a quarterback, he does a great job of keeping his composure. He takes it upon himself to make sure the offense stays encouraged and is always the first to congratulate his teammates after a big play," said Maddox.
In four games, Damari Cual-Davis has completed 77% of his passes for 812 yards and has 9 touchdowns for the season compared to just 2 INTs. He is also an established threat on the ground and has been known for his rushing ability over his career. He has rushed for 388 yards and 5 touchdowns this season with an incredible 11 yards per carry average.
A gifted runner, Cual -Davis focused on improving his passing game this offseason and the Jefferson coaches have taken notice.
"We've seen him really start to develop as a quarterback. Last year he was more of an athlete, and this year he's becoming much more of a quarterback," said coach Maddox.
"His growth is remarkable. It was 4th and 12 in the 2nd quarter and Lowell came with the blitz, and instead of running it he found an open receiver down the field for a 75-yard TD."
Damari Cual-Davis is the ultimate example for his teammates in the classroom as well, where he currently holds a 3.5 GPA. Right after the football season concludes, he heads to the basketball court where he has been on the varsity team for the Grizzlies since his sophomore year.
As the home school of the 49ers High School Player of the Week, Jefferson High School will receive a $500 grant for their football program from the 49ers Foundation. Damari Cual-Davis will receive two tickets to a 49ers home game and a certificate signed by 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula. At the end of the season, Cual-Davis will be invited to the SAP Performance Facility to accept a trophy recognizing his achievements.
