Andrew Walker runs fast. Whether he’s running on the football field or on the track, Walker possesses tremendous speed.
Walker is a senior wide receiver on the South Medford Panthers. He’s also the reigning Class 6A state track champion in the 100- and 200-meters. Walker’s speed presents a dilemma. Does he want to run fast on the football field, or on the track, at the next level? Or both? He’s still deciding.
“I’ll probably end up choosing one. But I’m still not sure which one right now,” Walker said. “I feel like my favorite is the one that I’m doing at the time. Right now, I’d say football.”
Walker and the Panthers (4-0, 2-0 in Southwest Valley/Central Conference) have started fast. They are scoring points in bunches, averaging 41 points a game.
South Medford coach Bill Singler said his young team – particularly the offensive line - struggled last season but a year of experience has made a big difference.
“Our linemen went to the course of hard knocks last year. They’re a year older,” Singler said. “They’re stronger and more experienced and that makes a difference.”
Senior quarterback Deacon Edgar, a three-year starter, leads the offense. Edgar threw four touchdown passes and ran for two more scores in the Panthers’ 48-35 win over the South Salem Saxons in Week 4. The senior has completed 69 of 102 passes for 1,014 yards with 11 touchdowns and three interceptions this year.
Edgar threw three touchdown passes to Walker, who caught 10 passes for 169 yards against the Saxons. Walker has caught six scoring passes this season. Walker said he used some of his track training during the track season and the offseason to elevate his performances on the football field this year.
“I did a lot of track workouts as soon as football ended, starting in the beginning of November and into track season,” Walker said. “I’m a lot faster this year.”
Singler said he has noticed the improvement and expansion of Walker’s game.
“I think he’s proven to people around the state that he isn’t just a guy who runs the down the field catching long balls on go and post routes,” Singler said. “You’ll see him running slant-ins over the middle, catching screens and running patterns underneath. He’s becoming an all-around receiver.”
The Panthers’ start marks a sharp break from their season in 2021. The Panthers lost their first five games and finished the season with a 2-8 record.
“Last year was rough, but everyone learned something from that season and got better this year,” Walker said. “Everyone on the team is excited about the rest of the season.”
The Oregonian/OregonLive conducted a question and answer session with Walker to learn a little more about him off the field.
Sports background: I started playing football started in third grade. My dad was a big football guy. He wanted me to play Pop Warner, so I did it.
Sports hero: Chase Cota. He came from South Medford and got a lot of attention for South. What he’s done after coming from South Medford is inspiring.
Non-sports hero: My dad (Tom). He’s always been there with support.
Favorite thing to do to pass the time away: I like to cook. I wouldn’t say I’m a good cook, but I like to cook. I like to bake a lot. I like to hang out with my friends and I also like to go mountain biking.
Where do you want to go to college: I have no idea yet. I have talked to some colleges.
Career aspirations: I’m starting to think about a business major with an emphasis in finance.
Favorite sports memory: Winning at state in track. All the workouts I had done was for that moment. Winning that made it all pay off.
Why do you play football: I love the game. Ever since I started, it’s just been part of what I do.
Favorite class/subject: Culinary.
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