SSHS senior voted Prep Athlete of the Week

SEELEY LAKE - Seeley-Swan football player Dakota Wood was voted Missoulian's Prep Athletes of the Week.  Wood received more than 400 votes after he was nominated for scoring three touchdowns in the game against Victor, Oct. 5.

Wood has been playing football for eight years.

"I enjoy being out on the field with my teammates," said Wood. "I like being the leader on the team, working hard and pushing everyone else and having everyone else push me harder in practice and in the games."

In his senior year, Wood is one of the six team captains. He is considered the spokesman during the games.

Wood said that Coach Jared Crum really put together a good offense around their star players. He has been pushing each player to be better leaders and lead by example. He also opened the weight room which Wood feels has helped him get more built for football.

"I've always prided myself in working hard during practice, but I've been trying to work harder and harder everyday and get my teammates to do the same," said Wood.

Wood thinks the team is more focused this year.

"Everyone wants to win and make the playoffs," said Wood. "We are all a lot closer than we have been in the past during football season. It is more of a brotherhood than in the past."

The Missoulian nominated Wood for Prep Athlete of the Week after he led the Blackhawks to a big victory in Victor. He struck pay dirt on two 10-yard runs and one 65-yard pass reception.

Wood thought the offensive line played really well during the game as they continue to improve their blocks every week. He added Quarterback Owen Mercado spread the ball around more making the offense harder to guard. Wood is also proud of the defense and thinks it is one of the best in the state when they are all healthy.

"It was a really fun game to be a part of," said Wood.

While Wood felt he did better in the early season games against Darby and Plains, he was grateful for the nomination and the support from everyone who voted. Wood thanked all the coaches and the team for their support.

"I hope to lead the team to victory in the next two games and make the playoffs," said Wood. "I'm proud of my teammates and how we've come back after the two tough losses we had last week and fighting through all the injuries we have had."

Each week, the Missoulian nominates four boys and four girls for the honor "Prep Athletes of the Week." Readers vote for one girl and one boy in polls that appear by noon Sunday through 5 p.m. on Tuesday at Missoulian.com. The winners are announced in the Missoulian's Thursday edition each week and appear in a special advertisement, sponsored by Republic Services, each Sunday.