Written by Yezielle Orengo – Journalism Staff Reporter

Congratulations to Xavier Rucker for being nominated for Athlete of the Week! Rucker is a sophomore on the Allatoona Football team and has been playing football since the fourth grade. Coach Smith had this to say about Xavier, “He is extremely talented; he is one of the best players to ever come through Allatoona. He is extremely special, and I am excited to get to coach him for the next three years. He wants to win a great deal, but he hates losing more than he wants to win, he is extremely competitive and motivated in everything he does, and it makes him extremely special.” Coach Smith believes that Rucker will go to great heights on Allatoona’s football team. Rucker believes that he was nominated for Athlete of the Week for his determination and relentlessness. But he also is happy to be able to play with his teammates and some of his fondest memories of football are with his teammates. Xavier’s advice to younger kids is, “Don’t give up on your dreams because they may come true.” Congratulations again to Xavier Rucker for Athlete of the Week!