Marcus Gadlin has plenty of varsity experience.

Despite only being a junior, the running back went into this week having already played 12 varsity games. He was a key figure in the Cinco Ranch offense last year and has continued to grow and develop in his second season.

But one thing he hadn’t done yet in his varsity career was get a true start. Gadlin had received plenty of snaps, plenty of action, but hadn’t been the first running back on the depth chart heading into a varsity game.

That changed this week, as Gadlin was elevated to RB1 after Tessiah Young suffered an injury in the second week of the season and stepped up in his role, putting the best performance of his varsity career, rushing 15 times for 146 yards and three touchdowns in a 37-14 win over Seven lakes as the Cougars started District 19-6A play off on the right note.

“I’m not going to lie, I was kind of nervous,” Gadlin said. “I knew that it wasn’t anything I hadn’t done before, but I still just had some nerves coming into it, but I just pushed through it and after that first carry, it just became another game. All the nerves were gone, and I just played. I’m just happy I could help these guys get the win tonight.”

Gadlin reeled off touchdown runs of 3 yards, 48 yards and 22 yards in the win and accounted for more offense than any other Cinco Ranch player in the win. It was an important time for Gadlin to put together that kind of performance too, the Cougars had started off the season 0-2 and everyone knew it was going to be important to start district play with a win.

“We just went out there and took what the defense gave us, it just happened that they gave us a lot of chances to run today and I took advantage of it,” Gadlin said. “The run game went well and our new sophomore Brayden Gonzalez really stepped up to. It was just a really good win for us and it’s nice to know we can run the ball against that type of team.”

Gadlin credited Young for helping prepare both himself and Gonzalez for the game, saying he couldn’t have had the performance he did without Young’s coaching and motivation. That was echoed from Cinco Ranch head coach Chris Dudley.

“Tessiah is one of those guys who is the heart and soul of this team and for him to suffer this kind of injury is a gut punch,” Dudley said. “But you couldn’t have even told this week, he came out and we was in good spirits and constantly in the ear of both those young running backs. All week long he helped out Marcus, he helped out Brayden and he got those two prepared. That is who Tessiah is, he’s such an unselfish kid and we love him.”

With Young out for at least a few weeks, the Cougars know that Gadlin will have to continue to step up during district play. He is ready to take on that role and continue to help the team and the coaching staff knows they can count on the junior. He has continued to grow his game, going from more of a outside of the tackles home run threat as a sophomore, to someone who will take what the defense gives them, fight for the extra yard and go between the tackles his junior year.

“He understands how to wear defenses down now and his blocking ability is getting better every week too, he’s a guy who will look for the big play but can get those tough runs and wear a defense out too now” Dudley said. “We’re just really pleased with his progress and his attitude. He wants to get better and he has that drive to improve and win. He’s a key part of our team.”

Gadlin to his credit, isn’t focused on the stats, accolades or recognition. He gives all the credit to his offensive line, his coaches, his quarterback, anyone but himself. The only thing Gadlin is focused on is winning. He knows that the Cougars need to keep these performances up if they want to compete for a playoff spot and that is the only thing on his mind.

 “I knew that I was capable of this, but it was still a big confidence booster to come out here and actually put a game together like this,” Gadlin said. “But I also know I have to stay levelheaded. It’s just another game and the most important thing is next week. I’m going to enjoy it, but I know I need to put it in the past and get ready for next week at the same time. That’s the one I have to focus on now.”