Damian Nicholson: A Quiet Leader

For Osbourn Park’s Damian Nicholoson, Monday through Thursday is preparation for Friday.

Friday night is game night.

This past Friday was no different as Osbourn Park’s quarterback Damian Nicholson put on a show against Freedom.

Nicholson completed seven of 15 passes for 124 yards and threw for three touchdowns. Nicholson also had 11 rushes for 151 yards and two touchdowns.

 In addition to that, Nicholson had a 60 yard punt return in the 39-16 win.

“Everything fell into place. I played well with the support of my teammates,” said Nicholson.

Statistically, this was Nicholson’s best week of the season.

“This performance outshines the four rushing touchdowns I had against Stonewall. A game where my turnovers proved to be critical,” said Nicholson.

Nicholson has been dominant all over the field for the Yellow Jackets.

“Nicholson is an all-around player," said Osbourn Park football head coach Brian Beaty. "In addition to being quarterback, he also plays on the defense, kicks and returns punts."

Nicholson has come into his own for the Jackets in the difficult season. The team is 2-6 and the win over Freedom came after a six-game losing streak.

“This has not been the greatest of seasons, but football is representative of life. Everything will not go according to plan, but you have to remain positive,” said Nicholson.

For Nicholson, the season is simply a hump on a long journey. Nicholson has done his best to remain upbeat in the midst of the tough stretch.

“Nicholson’s performance against Freedom played a role in my decision to nominate him, but his overall attitude factored heavily into my decision.” said Beaty.

“As a team, we have struggled this year, but Nicholson still comes to practice with a desire to learn—a desire to succeed,” added Beaty.

Nicholson has performed well in the midst of a difficult season, but he has kept a team, whose resolve has been tested by the difficult season.

“I am not the loudest player, but I lead by example. Through my actions, I try to be a model player for the team,” he said.

Despite the team's struggle, Nicholson remains optimistic for their last two season games.

When asked why he was so hopeful, when many individuals would have thrown in the towel, he said, "Quitting is never and will never be an option for me. Even though things are not going according to plan, I still love my team."

The local quarterback has “done well this season dealing with the pressures of the quarterback position and a difficult season. He has matured and become an important part of the team,” according to Beaty.

Nicholson is a humble player who has been successful because he accepts that he does not know everything.

He listens to his coaches and learns from his teammates to become the dominant athlete he is. These characteristics are what makes Damian Nicholson the Manassas Athlete of the Week.

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