ATHLETES OF THE WEEK

Matt Underwood

School: Scott City

Sport: Football

Coach: Terry Flannigan

This season: Underwood, a junior tailback, was Southeast Missouri's leading rusher entering Wednesday night's sectional game against Malden. He has gained 1,628 yards in 187 carries and scored 24 touchdowns as Scott City won its district to improve to 9-1. Underwood has returned three kickoffs for 129 yards, including a 90-yard touchdown return. He qualified for the 1A-2A state track meet last year in the 100-and- 200-meter runs.

Week report: Underwood rushed for 171 yards on 35 carries and scored three touchdowns in Scott City's 34-0 victory over Charleston in the Class 2A district championship game. The game was a winner take all as both teams entered the district championship game with 2-0 district marks.

Coach's comment: "Against Charleston some statements were made that they weren't worried about him, and I think he took that as a motivating factor. He showed he was a legitimate running back. He has good size, he's physical and he's tough."