Football: Studious Scott tackles both football and top academics (08-31-06)
By Tommy Keeler Jr. (Daily Staff Writer)
FRONT ROYAL — Two years ago, Mario Scott was a receiver at Fork Union Military Academy, one of the top private schools for football in the state. He knew he would get plenty of attention from college scouts there, but the school was just a little too easy academically.
So, Scott transferred to Randolph-Macon Academy last year; Fork Union's loss was the Yellow Jackets' gain.
"I like it here," Scott said. "At Fork Union, they will yell at you to do things. Here, they will ask you to do things and then if you don't do it, they'll yell at you."
The Staunton native went to Fork Union in the sixth grade to keep himself out of trouble and to play football. He played receiver before coming to R-MA, when he switched to quarterback.
Last season was the first time Scott had played the position; he made the transition extraordinarily well.
"We ran out of the option last year and he was a natural," former R-MA coach Dick Allanson said. "We knew he could throw it, but I was surprised at how well he was able to hit people in the open field. You just don't know until you get into a game situation, but he did a great job."
Scott threw for 1,469 yards and ran for 654 more, leading the Yellow Jackets to a 7-3 record. This season, Gene Clemons has taken control of the team, a young squad without much depth.
That could force Scott to play some at defensive back, but Clemons said he doesn't want him to play both ways much.
"We might just use him in some third-and-long situations, things like that," Clemons said. "We want to keep him fresh on offense."
Scott attended several football camps in the offseason to prepare for this year. Scott said he hopes to play at the Division I level and is being looked at by schools such as The Citadel and VMI.
With that in mind, Clemons said he will use Scott at quarterback and receiver.
"I know he wants to play at receiver and that's where he will probably play at in college," Clemons said. "He's just a great athlete and we're going to use him at various positions and take advantage of that."
Clemons is also counting on Scott's leadership to help make the team successful.
With so many new faces, a new coach and a new offense, Clemons said the other players will look to Scott for guidance.
"Mario is a good example setter for the other kids," he said. "If he slacks off, then the other kids will do it because Mario did it. So we're relying on him to step up and lead this team."
This season's success on the field will depend on Scott's leadership and his ability to play the game he loves. Clemons said the team will go as far as Scott takes them.
"He's our catalyst," Clemons said. "If Mario has a great season, then we have a chance to have a great season as a team."
