5A-4A football athlete of year: Phillip Rhodes, Mesa Ridge

Mesa Ridge running back Phillip Rhodes feels like he had “a pretty good year.”

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The junior carried the load as the Grizzlies nearly made the playoffs a year after winning only two games.

“I was really just looking for a winning season,” said Rhodes, whose team finished 6-4. “To my success, it was the team being together. If we weren’t together as a whole … I couldn’t have had what I had this year.”

What he had was 2,161 rushing yards — the most in Class 4A — and 19 touchdowns. He missed the school single-season rushing mark by 109 yards. But with 1,100 yards and 12 scores as a sophomore, he’s on pace to set the school records for yards (4,470) and touchdowns (43) in a career.

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Rhodes’ exploits went beyond toting the football. He had 61 tackles and three interceptions as a safety and also threw for a touchdown.

After Mesa Ridge lost two of its first three games, Rhodes and the offensive line seemingly willed the team to five straight wins with 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Despite gaining at least 235 yards in seven of the last eight games, Rhodes retains his unassuming nature.

“He’s not a real big talker,” coach Rob Braaten said. “When you see your running back go out and run as hard as he does, it encourages linemen to block hard and wide receivers to block downfield. Guys love blocking for him.”

Next season, Rhodes and his teammates will set their sights on the rushing mark held by Rhodes’ friend Kenny Galbearth, a former teammate of Rhodes’ older brothers Marcus and Brandon.

“I’ve always wanted to make an impact,” Rhodes said. “My older brothers went here, me and my little brother came here. When I saw Kenny play, I looked up to him and wanted to be better than what he was.

“I just came here to make an impact on the school and have Mesa Ridge’s name get out there.”