If you haven’t gotten the chance to see Zach Hurd play football, it’s difficult to describe just how exceptional his feel is for the game and for his position. His stats — which have jumped off the page thus far — only tell part of the story.
I watched Hurd lock down players on the hardwood as a key member of the Hornets’ talented boys basketball team this past winter, so I already knew he was a terrific athlete. But what he’s been able to accomplish as a truly versatile quarterback in just his second year under center is even more impressive — and the shifty junior was at it again last Friday night against Rockland.
In a convincing 38-18 Hornets’ win, Hurd ran for 157 yards and three touchdowns while throwing for another 103 yards through the air on excellent efficiency (7-for-11 passing). His ability to scramble, shift gears on the fly and turn it into positive yardage is a natural skill not many players possess, and he always seems to make the right reads under center.
Manchester head coach Joe Grimes’ offensive schemes doesn’t always call for a lot of pass plays, but when Hurd does sling it, he’s able to find the open man with consistency and put the ball in a place only his receiver can catch.
“He’s certainly that guy,” Grimes said of Hurd, who now has 318 rushing yards and five TDs in two games. He’s averaging 10.6 yards per carry and has completed 16 of 24 pass attempts with zero interceptions.
“He’s a junior captain but he’s a leader on this team and he likes putting the guys on his back when he needs to,” continued Grimes. “He takes a lot of pride in doing that and a lot of pride in his running. He’s been doing a great job at it, and it’s really hard to defend, I imagine.”
Hurd will look to keep the ball rolling this Friday night when his Hornets head to Triton (6:30) for their first Cape Ann League test of the season.
Sports Editor Nick Giannino may be contacted at 978-675-2712 or ngiannino@northofboston.com.