DE QUEEN, Ark. — When the De Queen Leopards needed a player to step up, Landen Wise did just that.

According to head coach Drew Dykes, with two of the team’s running backs in its rushing attack down, Wise stepped up and possibly had the game of his career. The numbers Wise put up on offense, defense and special teams helped him earn the Texarkana Gazette’s Player of the Week Honor.

“We have three great backs, and two went down,” Dykes said. “Landen stepped up and had a career game.”

Wise carried the ball 30 times for 344 yards and four touchdowns in a 35-13 win over the Hope Bobcats, with three of those touchdowns coming from at least 45 yards out. The junior standout recorded touchdown runs of 69 yards, 80 yards, 45 yards and 9 yards. In De Queen’s first two games, Wise carried the ball 50 times for 533 yards and seven rushing touchdowns.

The offensive numbers were big, but they were not the only aspect of Wise’s game.

“He also played great on defense and special teams,” Dykes said.

Defensively, Wise had a handful of tackles and an interception, one of four for the Leopards in the 22-point win. And then on special teams, Wise punted twice and averaged 37.7 yards per punt with one going inside the 20-yard line.

Dykes said that Wise has worked hard to get stronger and faster, which has seemingly paid off. He is also just fun to be around.

“He is a great kid and a joy to be around every day,” Dykes said. “He actually put on over 20 pounds in the offseason and got faster. Very proud of his work, and it has paid off.”

The Leopards are 1-1 this season and host Ashdown on Friday.

HONORABLE MENTION

Nashville quarterback DJ Jefferson made a strong run at the honor and gets this week’s honorable mention after leading his team to a 54-34 win over Arkansas High.

According to the provided stats on MaxPreps, Jefferson completed 16 of 22 passes for 348 yards and three touchdowns, also running for 58 yards and two scores on 13 carries

Jefferson has helped lead the Scrappers to a 3-0 record this season.

For the season, Jefferson has completed 34 of 50 passes for 693 yards and seven touchdowns, along with 130 yards rushing and two touchdowns.