Junior Conner Faulkner's emergence as a top running back was major factor in the Hamilton Heights High School football team's success.
Huskies coach Mitch Street said Faulkner started out the season rotating in the two-back system with senior Tyler Trietsch.
"He got the full-time starting job in Week 5 and really did a nice job," Street said. "He fits what we do offensively very, very well. He reads blocks pretty well. He's got a little bit of size so that enables him to take some hits and that sort of thing. Conner is good at pass production."
The 6-1, 200-pound Faulkner rushed for 1,204 yards on 177 carries, including 24 touchdowns for the Huskies (13-2), who reached Class 3A state final before losing to Bishop Chatard 30-13 on Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium. Trietsch was next with 715 yards on 117 attempts.
Street said Trietsch and Faulkner do an excellent job of complementing each other with contrasting running styles.
"Tyler is more of a downhill runner," Street said. "He's going to try to run you over. Conner is a little bit more of a slider. He's going to try to find a hole and read things.
"He has pretty good speed. He's not a blazer but he's going to get where he needs to go. He's good about finding open space and, when he does, he has enough speed to make plays."
