Stewart ready to lead Alcona in 2018
LINCOLN–Damion Stewart has heard the rumors around town.
After losing more than a dozen seniors, the Alcona football team is in for a rough season in 2018.
If Stewart has anything to say about it, the Tigers aren’t exactly planning on laying down this year.
“I’ve heard a lot in the community that it’s going to be a rough year, losing a lot of seniors, but there’s a lot of competitive guys out here and they all want to win. So do I,” Stewart said. “I don’t expect nothing less from them.”
After back-to-back nine-win seasons, the Tigers have had success, they know what it takes to win big games and they aren’t afraid to hold themselves to a higher standard.
But the Tigers are realistic too. As they established on the eve of their first practice, there are a lot of lessons to take from last season’s success, but this year’s group will take the field looking to leave its own mark on the program as each Alcona team has done before it.
That makes Stewart the perfect player to help the Tigers accomplish their goals this season. As a three-year varsity player, he’s been a part of two of the best seasons in program history. While Stewart can’t win games by himself, he knows exactly what it takes to be successful and can show the program’s younger players just what it takes, whether it’s how he practices or how he carries himself during games.
“I’m looking forward to him growing as a man and becoming a leader of this team. I think that expansion will be what’s best for our team because he knows how to win,” Alcona coach Jason Somers said. “He’s been around our culture for a few years and him teaching the younger guys will be just great.”
Since being called up to varsity during his sophomore season, Stewart has been a spark plug for Alcona on both sides of the ball. As a sophomore, he made 34 tackles, recovered one fumble and impressed with his play in the defensive back field where he also had four interceptions on the way to first team all-North Star League honors.
Last season, he made 27 tackles and was earned second team all-conference honors. He established himself as a playmaker again after he also recorded three interceptions in 13 games.
Offensively, Stewart provides a big target as a receiver. He was one of Alex Stephenson’s favorite targets last season and led Alcona with 265 yards and four touchdowns on 10 receptions. He was also reliable in the red zone. In addition to his four touchdown catches, Stewart converted 12 two-point conversion opportunities–four rushing and eight receiving–tied for the most on the team.
Whether he’s contributing offensively or making plays everywhere he can on defense, Stewart figures to be one of Alcona’s top playmakers as a senior. It’s a role he’s wholeheartedly embraced as one of the team’s elder statesmen.
“I’m excited man, it’s my last year and I’m excited for the season,” Stewart said. “I want to be a good leader. I know a lot of these younger guys they look up to me and I want to be a good role model for them.”
Time will tell how successful the Tigers are in their 2018 campaign, but when it comes to leadership, Somers knows his team will be in good hands with players like Stewart leading the charge.
“This is Damion’s third year on the varsity as well as (for) a couple other guys. I see his role as a leader expanding,” Somers said. “He’s already pretty integral on what we do on the offense and the defense, but I see his leadership (improving).”
James Andersen can be reached via email at sports@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5694. Follow James on Twitter @ja_alpenanews.