Zaxby’s Player of the Week: Tate Johnston, St. Paul’s ATH

MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — High school football teams jumped back into region play as the playoffs loom just around the corner. St. Paul’s earned a gritty 26-14 win over Gulf Shores to remain perfect on the season.

Two-way star Tate Johnston has been a versatile player all season. The junior contributed in several ways Friday night – including a pair of touchdowns in the Saints’ win over the Dolphins.

Johnston’s stellar performance has earned him our Zaxby’s Player of the Week honor!

Johnston rushed for 120 yards on nine carries as St. Paul’s improved to 6-0 on the season. He has also lined up at quarterback and wide receiver this year.

“He’s a playmaker,” said St. Paul’s head coach Ham Barnett. “He plays some ‘wildcat’ quarterback and we call him “The Wildcat” because that’s what he is. He plays slot receiver for us, returns kicks and kind of does it all for us.”

The Saints and Dolphins met for the first time since the 2019 season and St. Paul’s kept their winning streak alive in the series posting their seven straight victory over Gulf Shores.

“It was awesome and adds a lot of confidence for our team,” Johnston said of the win.

The Saints’ physical brand of football was once again on display. Johnston spearheaded a rushing attack that accounted for more than 300 yards on the ground. Johnston was quick to credit the players in the trenches.

“Our offensive line did a really good job (blocking),” Johnston said.

Along with Johnston, fellow stars Ant Frazier and Will Abrams each posted more than 100 yards rushing.

“If we could average 300 yards rushing a game, we are going to be pretty good and play good defense,” Barnett said with a smile. “I was excited. Our kids came out and played really physical football and that’s our mentality.”

The Saints will look to remain undefeated in another tough Class 6A Region 1 battle on Friday night. St. Paul’s will host No. 1 Saraland (6-0) at E.E. Delaney Field.

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