Area athletes who made a big splash over the weekend:
Matt Reidy
After a spectacular career as a running back at Damascus High where he led the Swarmin’ Hornets to two straight state championship games, Matt Reidy rejected scholarship offers from smaller schools to go big time. Walking on at Virginia Tech, Reidy made a comfortable transition from high-school superstar to college bit player. But Saturday in a 31-7 romp over Miami, Reidy revisited past glories as he recovered a blocked punt and stepped over the goal line for the first touchdown of his college career. The 6-foot, 210-pound reserve safety has forged an identity as a special teams standout, making a team-high 17 special teams tackles in 2008.
Reidy has stayed true to his roots. In a Beamerball.com interview, when asked his dream position, Reidy said “inside linebacker.” It’s an answer that would no doubt delight fans of smashmouth Damascus.
Corwin Acker
After a year as a special teams player for FCS power James Madison, Acker (Silver Spring) emerged Saturday, striking suddenly. With his team struggling against No. 25 Liberty, Acker, a sophomore tailback, got outside and sprinted up the left sideline 65 yards for the go-ahead touchdown that sparked the No. 7 Dukes to a 24-10 victory. Acker, who had two 1,000-yard rushing seasons at Blake High, added a 13-yard touchdown run later in the game on his way to 147 yards on 12 carries. Acker had replaced junior Jamal Sullivan (15 carries, 93 yards), who was injured in the third quarter. Acker (5-11, 205) arrived at James Madison after committing to play for Temple. Following an assault charge, the Division I-A school released Acker from his scholarship before his freshman year in 2007.
