By By ADAM FISHER / Niles Daily Star
Niles' football searched for a strong rushing attack all season long. The Vikings finally found it in the final two games of the season, led by junior running back Lyle Watson.
Last week, Watson had the best performance by a Niles' back this season in the Vikings' 32-21 triumph over St. Joseph in their final game of the year. He rushed for 193 yards and two touchdowns on 33 carries. He also caught a pass for a 5-yard score.
Watson's effort earned him the Niles Daily Star's Boys' Athlete of the Week honors for Oct. 17-23. The girls' winner is Brandywine basketball player Kalie Newman, who averaged 17.5 points in two games last week, including 22 points against River Valley.
Watson's performance came one week after running for 98 yards and four touchdown a week earlier against Dowagiac on Oct. 15. The victories in both games were Niles' only two earned wins this season. The Vikings (3-6) won one game by forfeit.
Newman's 22 points against River Valley on Oct. 21 were a season high for a Brandywine player this season. She also scored 13 against Edwardsburg on Oct. 19. Despite her scoring, the Bobcats lost both games.
Each week, the athletics directors from Niles, Brandywine and Buchanan nominate players for the Athlete of the Week.
The sports editor of the Niles Daily Star then selects a boys' and girls' winner for each week.
The senior winners will be eligible to apply for the scholarship at the end of the school year. Each week's winners will also receive a month's subscription to the newspaper of the community they represent.
In April, each senior Athlete of the Week winner from all three sports seasons will submit an application for the scholarship.
Leader Publications will then select a boys' and girls' Athlete of the Year from either Cassopolis, Dowagiac or Edwardsburg.
The two athletes will receive a scholarship for an as yet to be determined amount. The winners will be named in May.
Questions regarding the Athlete of the Year scholarships can be directed to Mary Cooper at 687-7732 or Daily Star sports editor Adam Fisher at 687-7703.