DEANGELO THOMAS’ RETURN BOOSTS WEST BLOOMFIELD
Deangelo Thomas is proving to be a bona fide X- factor for the West Bloomfield football team this fall, as the Lakers try to repeat as Division 1 state champions. His diverse skill set has been a much savored addition to the “L-Boys” deadly tool kit.
Making splash plays all over the field has become his trademark.
The sure handed, slick-footed 6-0, 185-pound slotback returned to the “Swamp” for his senior season after spending his junior year in the Dallas area where his mom and dad moved in the midst of the pandemic to be closer to family. He played junior varsity at West Bloomfield during his freshman and sophomore seasons.
While at Frisco High School outside Dallas, Thomas’ junior campaign was a wash. He only played one game before breaking his arm.
Now, he’s back in Michigan and making the most of his touches for the Blue Chip-stacked Lakers.
“I’m still standing, stronger than ever and back in grind mode every snap, every practice, every workout,” Thomas said. “The mindset is to take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way. I’m ready to chip in wherever I can. I have confidence in my abilities and I know I will perform whenever my number is called.”
On Friday in the district finals against Novi Detroit Catholic Central, Thomas caught a momentum-grabbing 28 yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Reqez Nance in the final seconds of the first half to give host West Bloomfield a 28-14 lead heading into the locker room.
Thomas and the Lakers went on to rout its way to a 35-21 win and a fifth district crowning in a row.
Thomas can hurt opponents in multiple ways. He lines up at both receiver and running back and returns kicks. His half dozen trips into the end zone this season have been spread across the air, the ground and on special teams.
The young man whose friends and teammates call “Debo” is no doubt valued for his efforts.
“Debo is just a monster out there, he does it all and deserves more recognition,” said Lakers senior linebacker Michael Williams of Thomas.
Williams, Thomas and the Lakers (111) are preparing to tussle with Rochester Adams (12-0) on the road in the regionals this week. Adams served West Bloomfield it’s lone loss of the season in Week 1.
The record is well within reach
West Bloomfield senior outside linebacker Michael Williams is a mere 4 sacks away from breaking the MHSAA record for a single season. Williams (6-3, 220) has already recorded 23 sacks, chalking up 8 already in the playoffs alone.
The state’s single season record currently sits at 26 and is owned by Walled Lake Western’s Al Moyski, who set the mark in 1977 in nine games of action. Williams’ 5 quarterback takedowns in the district opener against Novi ties him for thirdbest in a single game in the MHSAA record book.
Tweet of the Week
“When we win, we pose” — West Bloomfield All-American senior tailback Dillon Tatum after rushing for 195 yards and 3 touchdowns in the Lakers 35-21 dusting of Catholic Central in the district finals. Tatum, committed to Michigan State, has accumulated 1,125 yards and 21 touchdowns on the ground in 2021.