Logan Souza a small back with a huge fan base
Logan Souza might be the shortest and skinniest player on Shaker’s 6-1 team, but he’s certainly one of the most popular with the student section cheering from the stands.
The 5-foot, 5-inch running back scored his second touchdown of the season on Friday night, in a win against Columbia. The very strong and shifty player scored from 18 yards out to give Shaker a 41-0 lead, the score the Blue Bison would eventually win by.
“I’m not the biggest guy,” Souza said. “But I try to run with speed and agility and make people miss.
The junior is a backup to running back Ravion Burt, but has gotten carries in every win this season. His other touchdown this year came in a win against La Salle on Sept. 22. He averaged 19 yards per carry during that game.
After a couple big carries during a 40-30 win against Colonie a week later, the fans that had come out for the rivalry game started to chant his name.
Shaker will open up its Class AA playoff run against Guilderland at home on Friday night. The Blue Bison finished one game short, in the Class AA Super Bowl, last season. If they get a rematch against Troy this year, Souza might have a role in flipping the script.
“Sectionals, you know, that’s when our season really starts. Playoffs, stuff like that,” Souza said. “We wanted to win today. 1-0 every day. You’ve got to have a short memory.”
Burt has been a go-to player for Shaker’s offense. Jack Bush had three touchdowns in the Colonie win. Akap Takor had two touchdowns in that Columbia win. Joe Toutai has six TDs on the season as well.
But Souza represents the next wave of offensive player for the Blue Bison.
He’s always a fan favorite. And though he might not be the most intimidating player, his strength makes up for his size when it comes to running the ball. He’s a really hard player to tackle.
In his touchdown on Friday night, there were tacklers literally clinging onto his jersey from the ground as he barrled into the end zone. It might be a rare sight this season, but probably a lot less rare in his final season next year.
“You’ve got to forget about all the stuff that has happened,” Souza said. “We have a lot injuries, next player up. We want to go into playoffs with a healthy team, and do what we can do.”