By JOHN D’ABRUZZO

jd’abruzzo@ncnewsonline.com

Ricky Mathews understands what it takes to succeed on the football field.

“Being aggressive is 100 percent of the game,” the Shenango High junior said. “If you’re not aggressive, you’re not going to do anything.”

The 6-foot, 200-pound running back used his assertive play to rack up 164 yards and scored three touchdowns on just eight carries during the Wildcats’ 38-0 rout of Leechburg Saturday night.

Mathews scored on runs of 41, 45 and 53 yards for the ’Cats. He put up all his points in the second quarter. Two of the scores came on consecutive plays.

For his performance, Mathews is Lawrence County’s Athlete of the Week as selected by The New Castle News sports staff. The award is sponsored by Washington Centre Physical Therapy.

“It’s probably the best game I ever had,” Mathews said.

Mathews isn’t shy about giving credit to his offensive line. “Our line did a really good job blocking. They’re amazing!

“They’re the key to our success,” he said. “Without them, we aren’t going anywhere.”

Shenango, though, is going places, and Mathews has been a key to the 2-0 start.

“It was a really important win,” Mathews said. “It’s the first time we’ve been 2-0 since 2004 ... so we’re pumped up. This is amazing for us; we have a lot of young players.”

Shenango coach Ryan Mayo likes what he’s seen from Mathews.

“First and foremost, he brings great athleticism,” Mayo said. “He weighs 200 pounds and he’s our fastest kid. So you put those two things together, you usually get a pretty affective football player.”

Last year as a sophomore, Mathews rushed for 130 yards and one touchdown.

Mayo expects even bigger and better performances from his backfield.

“Both (Mathews) and Anthony (Kosciuszko) have proven that they can make big runs through the first two games,” Mayo said. “They have that capability and I think it will continue and get better as they get more experience.”

The Shenango coach believes Mathews still has a lot to learn and anticipates watching him grow.

“Ricky always brings a great effort,” Mayo said. “The only thing Ricky needs to improve on is his football IQ. He’s only a junior, so he’s only going to get better and better with time.”

The Wildcats host Neshannock at 7:30 p.m. Saturday night in their Big Seven Conference opener.

“It’s really going to be a tough game,” Mathews said. “They’ve got some really good players and we got some really good players. It’s going to be a hard-fought game until the very end.”

RICKY MATHEWS: FAST FACTS

POSITION: Running back/linebacker

GRADE: Junior

SCHOOL: Shenango

KNOWN FOR: Mathews rushed for 164 yards and three touchdowns on eight carries during Shenango’s 38-0 romp over Leechburg in WPIAL Class A nonconference action.

PARENTS: Rick and Denise Mathews

FAVORITE TEAM: Penn State University football.

FAVORITE PROFESSIONAL PLAYER AND WHY: Steelers running back Willie Parker and Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson. “I like Willie because he’s fast. LT is just amazing, all around.”

BESIDES FOOTBALL: Mathews also competes with the Shenango track and field team. Mathews runs the 100, 200, 400 relay and 1600 relay for the Wildcats.