Mater Academy Dynamic Duo - Walter Phillips & Malik Rutherford

Hialeah, FLA. -- Mater Academy varsity head coach Rocco Casullo, has the luxury unlike other programs throughout So. Florida, of having a middle school football feeder system. Coach Casullo, will inherit another wave of talented playmakers, after last fall stud RB Takori Thurston. Meet this fall, eighth-grade dynamic athletes, starting with #2 (RB/LB/Returner) Walter Phillips and #3 (WR/SS/Returner) Malik Rutherford.

Through five games, the duo is responsible for 15 touchdowns, 6 force fumbles as well as 2 interceptions. Phillips stands 5-foot-5, 155lbs that's built like a tank, and is quicker and faster than he looks.

The "tank" is responsible for 12 total touchdowns through five games, including 20 tackles, 2 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries on defense. He has taken 2 kick returns the distance, for 85 and 95-yard scores. Yesterday's road game vs. Keys Gate Charter, Phillips recorded 5 tackles, 1 fumble recovery, 2 rushing touchdowns and accumulated 134 yards from scrimmage. Phillips, is averaging 145 yards-per-game and 2 touchdowns this season.

The middle school roster landed a blue-chip like prospect, with the enrollment of former Pop Warner Division 1 National Champion utility athlete Malik Rutherford. Over the years, he has been nominated for several categories, but the most notable recognitions consisted of the Most Outstanding Player of the Year Award, and most recently, Generation Nexxt's Ultimate Skills Challenge Top Performer. Rutherford stands 5-foot-5, 125lbs., but please don't let the slim frame mislead you. He's responsible for six force fumbles this season, lining-up as the team rover on defense.

The versatile athlete, has scored from three different positions (QB, WR, DB) this season. Against, Keys Gate on Tuesday (10/18/16), Rutherford was responsible for three touchdowns. The speedster, took a jet-sweep the distance and later scored his second touchdown on a quarterback keeper, and capped things off by, stripping the ball away from the running back and scoring is third touchdown of the day. The lions won 32-12. Mater Academy Charter middle school coaching staff, is doing an excellent job as they look to repeat as bowl champions.

Instagram - @Jerry_Risingstars