ST. MARTIN PARISH, La. (NEWS 15) — The Courtesy Automotive Group Toughest Players of the Week for Week 9 are running back Paul Noel of Cecilia on offense and safety Zyrian Johnson of St. Martinville on defense.
Our two Toughest Players of the Week look to have very different Fridays. Paul Noel will be going into the first round of the playoffs, while Zyrian Johnson hopes to make his team stronger and better for next season.
"It was a good game, not how I expected it to go,” said Noel. “Really wanted more of a challenge but you're going to have games like that."
He is referring to last week’s 54-0 spanking Cecilia gave to Collegiate out of Baton Rouge. He explained to me that winning that game really didn’t give them the momentum you would think heading into the playoffs.
After all, the Bulldogs were state champion runners up last season.
"We just look at the problems we have, fix them, work on them, and get better from now on," added Noel.
St. Martinville safety Zyrian Johnson will not be heading to the postseason with his fellow Tigers but is ready to put in the work for next year.
"Next season play, don't give up on a play, because it is downfield or something,” said Johnson. “You gotta hustle. That's what college recruiters like and stuff. They told me, so trying to get there."
Johnson should look familiar. This is the second time this season he has been nominated as the best player of the week.
"It feels great knowing that my work is getting out there. So yeah, I feel awesome!" he explained.
"Kinda feels unreal kinda. ‘Cause like from what I would say like a year ago. I wouldn't expect me to be where I am right now," noted Noel.
He is looking to make another run at a state title while Johnson is focused on improving for next season.
