The 49ers High School Player of the Week Award for week 9 goes to Ari Wargon of Scotts Valley High School.
The Scotts Valley Falcon's running back, Ari Wargon, remains on track to hold the league's season rushing record as he led the team to a Friday night victory over Harbor.
Scotts Valley accelerated early in the game, scoring a school record 54 points in the first half. The game became a stomping ground for the Falcons, as they rushed over 300 yards on 30 carries. Running back Ari Wargon's goal to hold the record for most rushing yards in the league looks promising as his 115 yards in the matchup contributed to an individual 1,129 yards on the season thus far.
"We have spent the whole summer working and putting in the preparation," reflected Wargon on his performance, "My line, my blockers--the entire team is the reason I have over 1,100 yards."
Wargon found the gaps and executed efficiently to score 4 touchdowns in the game, earning 8 so far in the season. The all-star running back continued to excel as linebacker as well, forcing punts on Harbor to hold them at 19 points. Ari and the Falcons ran the clock in the second half, and kept their momentum going on both offense and defense to hold Harbor at a final score of 68-19.
"I've been doing this a long time, and Ari is one of the truest football players I have ever seen," stated Falcon's Coach Louie Walters, "He is our vocal leader, captain, and completely unselfish. People gravitate towards him, and he is able lead them by example and by putting forth 100 percent."
Wargon's intensity and dedication does not stop on the field. When Ari is not accumulating over 100 yards per game, he can be found in study hall tutoring his younger peers, on the basketball court, or sprinting as part of the track and field team. The tri-athlete who has earned a 4.4 GPA plans to play football in college and study to become a doctor.
"I am making decisions about college," expressed Ari, "but as for football, I want to pump my team up by being animated on the field, and by giving them the best opportunity they have to win."
Ari keeps the adrenaline up with the motivation from Defensive Coach Jeff Metter, who has instilled that pain and tiredness are temporary, but the result is worth it and long lasting. He will continue to remind his teammates of this as they seek to improve their record in this week's homecoming game against Santa Cruz.
As the home school of 49ers High School Player of the Week, Scotts Valley High School will receive a $500 grant for their football program. Wargon will receive a 49ers hat and t-shirt, a certificate signed by 49er head coach Jim Harbaugh, two tickets to a 49ers home game and recognition on 49ers.com. At the end of the season, Ari will be invited to the 49ers Training Facility in Santa Clara, CA to accept a trophy recognizing his achievements.
