DigitalSports
Male Athletes of the Week
Travis Crane and Thomas Edwards,
Eastern Tech, football
The senior duo combined to account for all four of Eastern Tech’s scores in a 27-0 victory over defending Class 2A state champion Edmondson that earned the Class 2A North Regional Championship last Friday.
Crane, the starting quarterback, threw two touchdown passes — a six yarder to Rob Kyle and a 41-yarder to Edwards. Crane also ran for a 19-yard touchdown to cap the scoring on the night. Edwards, along with the touchdown reception from Crane, scored on a 13-yard scamper in the fourth quarter.
A week earlier, in the Regional semifinal game, Crane and Edwards again connected on a seven-yard touchdown pass that brought the Mavericks (12-0) from behind and gave them a 13-12 lead over Poly in an eventual 20-12 victory.
The two have been close friends for a number of years and have been teammates just as long, even having played played recreational league football and lacrosse together.
Last month, Edwards’ mother passed away, and the two players have dedicated their season to her with a phrase called “Mama Time.” The two draw strength from “Mama Time” and their intensity and passion trickles down to the rest of their teammates.
“Every play, every down, we’re out there playing for her,” said Edwards, who kneels down in the endzone in prayer following each of his touchdowns.
On the back of both players’ helmets, in masking tape, the phrase “Mama Time” is written to remind them of who they are playing for.
Both players have had exceptional seasons for the Mavericks.
Edwards has rushed for 358 yards on 39 carries and scored nine total touchdowns — seven rushing and two receiving.
Eastern Tech, as a team, has rushed for 3,065 total yards, with eight players logging a total of 100 or more yards.
In the playoffs, Edwards has accounted for three touchdowns — one rushing and two receiving.
Crane went 39-for-78 passing for 533 yards and has thrown 12 touchdowns to no interceptions on the year. On the ground, the QB amassed 374 yards on 56 carries for eight touchdowns. Defensively, Crane also has 29 tackles and two interceptions.
If you are looking for the dynamic duo, you can catch them, along with the rest of their teammates, on Friday nights after games celebrating at Buffalo Wild Wings in White Marsh.
Eastern Tech has tied a school record for most wins in a season with 12. This Friday, the Mavericks will play host Clarksburg (12-0) in that State semifinal game.
Eastern Tech last reached the 2A State semifinals in 2003 and finished as runners-up. The Mavericks will be attempting to earn only their second-ever state title berth, having finished as Class 3A state runner-up in 1998.
With Crane, Edwards, and “Mama Time” on their side, the Mavericks are a formidable opponent.
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