Harvest Prep’s Bangura stays humble amid record-breaking career
Because of his exploits the past two seasons, Daniel Bangura’s name now appears in the Ohio High School Athletic Association football record book a whopping 14 times.
Looking downward, the soft-spoken Harvest Prep senior running back offers little more than an “aw, shucks” reaction to his many achievements, topped by him eclipsing the state singleseason and career rushing marks.
“I suppose someday I’ll look back on the records and be especially proud of them,” said Bangura, just 5 feet 10 and 180 pounds. “Some people will find the numbers eye-popping, but I never focused on chasing records even after what I did my junior year. All of it was centered on trying to help my team win.”
In 11 games this season, Bangura rushed for 3,401 yards on 278 carries (a 12.2yard average) and scored 50 touchdowns along with 11 two-point conversions for 322 points. Bangura finished with 9,650 yards in his career, which ranks 12th nationally.
Bangura was selected offensive player of the year on the Dispatch All-Metro team, which consists of players from schools in Franklin and its six contiguous counties. Safety Xavier Henderson of Pickerington Central repeated as defensive player of the year and Shawn Buescher of West Jefferson was selected coach of the year.
“Like I’ve always said, Daniel is a better person than he is a football player and he’s a great football player,” Prep coach Milan Smith said. “He’s humble, a hard worker and person of high character. During his time here, he turned a no-name Division VII program into a four-time league champion and a fourtime state playoff qualifier. He has been a picture of consistency with his work habits and performance. We’re sure going to miss him.”
Bangura said he has scholarship offers from Kent State and Ohio University, along with a handful of Division II programs.
Henderson, meanwhile, is one of six area players — including three All-Metro first-teamers — headed to Michigan State. He had four interceptions and 77 tackles heading into the state title game Friday.
“My coaches have pushed me hard to allow me the chance to succeed,” Henderson said. “I’ve really hit the weight room hard and the studied the game in order to help me play the game fast. Everything I’ve achieved is just a product of our team’s success.”
On the heels of atypical, back-to-back 4-6 seasons, West Jefferson responded by going 12-0 before being ousted in a Division V regional title game.
“This group of seniors gained a lot of experience in those two rough seasons we endured, and they came out the better for it,” Buescher said.
“I know it sounds cliché, but we really didn’t think about or dwell on our record, good or bad. For us, it’s all about maxing out our potential. We understand the process of the grind. We have a program and a community that embraces our great tradition, and they will commit completely to reach those standards.”