Thompson Named ESPN's West Coast Player of the Week

The news just keeps getting better and better for the Concord High Minutemen.

The team's star running back, junior Olito Thompson was given an extra confidence boost when ESPN chose him as the West Coast Player of the Week last week.

ESPN chose Thompson in recognition of his star performance of rushing for 457 yards - the school's new record - and scoring four times in the 42-16 win .

The team has since made its way past Rancho Cotate with a 24-14 win and will face undefeated Windsor High (13-0) in the NCS Division II championship game Friday night. Check back with Concord Patch Friday night for that story.

Here's what ESPN had to say in honoring Thompson that week:

One year ago, Concord had the top passer in California as quarterback Ricky Lloyd amassed 4,451 yards through the air. This year, the Minutemen may have the state’s top rusher as Thompson has gone on a tear in his first two CIF North Coast Section Division II playoff games. The 5-foot-10, 190-pound junior running back racked up 457 yards on 28 carries and scored four times in Friday’s 42-16 victory over Las Lomas (Walnut Creek, Calif.). This came one week after Thompson had 26 carries for 370 yards and three scores in his first playoff game.

Stay tuned to Concord Patch for coverage as both De La Salle and Concord High battle to win their NCS divisions Friday and Saturday, respectively.