By John Goolsby
Micah Thomas decided to lace up the football cleats and snap on the chin strap one more time. The senior running back took off his junior year to focus on baseball but decided to make a return to the gridiron. “The team said they needed another running back, so I stepped up,” Thomas said. Thomas plays second base and outfield for the Mountie baseball team.
“He missed sharing the football field with his friends, so he decided to play again during his senior year,” said his mother, Bridget Thomas. “He really wants to create lasting memories with his friends because he realizes his high school journey will be coming to an end very soon.”
Thomas’ decision to return to football was a good decision. He made an immediate impact and added depth to the running back position. Thomas scored on a 48-yard run in the spring game.
Thomas began the 2022 season as the Mountie’s starting running back. Unfortunately, he sprained an ankle in the first half of the opening game and has been on the sideline since the injury. Despite the injury, Thomas has had a very positive impact on the team.
“Micah has become one of the leaders behind the scenes,” said offensive coordinator Baniko Harley. “He’s stepped up in other ways by helping the other running backs at practice with reading the linebackers, accelerating through the hole, and having great ball security.”
Even though Thomas has missed the last two games, his season goals are still attainable. “My goal this year is to beat the odds,” Thomas said. “I want to make it known to everyone who doubted Shades Valley that we are fully capable of being a dominating team.”
Like many of his teammates, Thomas got his start in little league. He began playing with the A.G. Gaston Jaguars when he was five and is working hard to get the opportunity to play running back at the next level.
Thomas will be successful no matter what path he chooses. “Micah was born with an old soul,” says his mother. “He loves old-school music, and he is a very good singer. He is amazingly loving and humble.”
Thomas wants to leave his mark on the Shades Valley program. “I would like to be remembered as a loyal teammate who was not ashamed to be himself, someone who had a lot of love for his brothers and would do anything for them,” he said.
Thomas lives by 2 Timothy 1:7: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Thomas is looking to get back on the field and score touchdowns very soon. Until then, Thomas will continue to make the 2022 Mounties a better team on and off the field. “Micah is one of those kids you love to have around,” says Harley.
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