Pulling double duty
SLIPPERY ROCK — On Friday nights, Trent Porter is just one cog in the Slippery Rock High football machine.
The junior running back has certainly had his shining moments, including a 122-yard performance in a 62-21 win over Seneca in the first round of the District 10 Class AA playoffs last Saturday. But in the Rockets' option offense – which has plenty of options – sometimes the carries are sparse.
“You just don't get your hopes up that you are going to have an awesome game,” Porter said. “Whatever happens, you have to be happy about it and take advantage of the chances you do get. To me, it doesn't matter as long as we're winning.”
Often times, Porter's biggest contributions go unseen outside of the Slippery Rock High campus.
Porter is the Rockets' secret weapon on the scout team. He mimics the running back Slippery Rock is about to face.
And, said Slippery Rock football coach Brendan Hathaway, he does it quite well.
“He just works so hard and what he's able to do for the scout team is so important for us,” Hathaway said. “He does his work, does the scout team and gets some reps on defense. He does whatever he needs to do. That's a testament to his character. He's a pretty special kid.”
Porter enjoys his role of actor during the week.
On Saturdays, he does the regular film study with the team. But on Saturday nights, he can be found at home watching more film with particular attention paid to the opposing running backs.
He studies what they do, their tendencies and running styles, and tries to bring that with him to the practice field.
“I just try to make our defense look bad,” Porter said, laughing. “That's not easy to do.”
Porter said his work against the first-team defense has made him a better running back.
It has shown down the stretch as Porter has had two 100-yard games in the last three weeks.
“It definitely helps me out,” Porter said. “Not only am I helping (the defense) out through the week, they are making me a better player going up against them. I couldn't do any of it without the line. They block for me. I run for them.”
Hathaway gave Porter high praise for his running ability, which is different from many of the backs on the roster.
“He just brings something a little different,” Hathaway said. “He runs so low and he sees the holes so well. He just needs a small crack. He's a football player. Some of the teams we play against run the I-formation and he's probably a better I-back than he is in our system. He has the talent to be a featured back in the I.”
Porter hopes for many more weeks on the scout team. But first, Slippery Rock will have to dispatch three-time defending District 10 Class AA champion Hickory when the two teams clash at Slippery Rock University Saturday at 7 p.m.
When told of how Hathaway regards him, Porter beamed.
“That means a lot. A lot,” Porter said. “It makes me want to work harder and harder. It's my motivation. I love hearing stuff like that.”
