Hillgrove coach Phillip Ironside saw something special in Synjyn Days.

So much so, in fact, that Ironside changed the Hillgrove offense to the wishbone to take advantage of his sophomore quarterback's ability to run the football.

The new offense has paid off in a big way for Days as he has thrived in the wishbone scheme, leading the county in rushing with 855 yards and 10 touchdowns as well as scoring with 70 points in just five games.

As a result, Hillgrove's fortunes have risen as well, with the second-year program enjoying a 4-1 record.

For Days, his success has been a team effort.

"I have to give thanks to God, because without him, I couldn't do anything," Days said. "My offensive line has given me a lot of support and coach (Phillip) Ironside has given us plays that take advantage of my athletic ability."

Days had an unremarkable freshman year for Hillgrove in the Hawks' inaugural season, but Ironside saw the potential in his young quarterback.

It was Days running ability that led Ironside to make Hillgrove a wishbone team going into the 2007 season.

"That was the reason why we installed the wishbone, because it would take advantage of his ability to run the football," Ironside said. "The wishbone best suited his talents."

Not surprisingly, Day immediately took to the new offense, which he was already familiar with from his youth football days.

"It's been real interesting playing with a new team offense," Days said. "I played in the wishbone when I played youth football, so I was used to it."

Days showed his proficiency in the wishbone immediately as he rushed for 135 yards on 14 carries and scored two touchdowns, including one on a 53-yard run, to lead Hillgrove to a 16-13 victory over Temple.

Days followed that up with 184 yards on 21 carries and a touchdown on a 48-yard run in Hillgrove's 28-7 win over South Paulding.

Two more 100-yard plus games followed for Days as he rushed for 118 yards on 16 carries and one touchdown in Hillgrove's 21-20 win over Southeast Whitfield and 145 yards on 14 carries and three touchdowns, including one for 75 yards, in the Hawks' 31-21 loss to Holy Innocents.

Days broke the 200-yard barrier in Hillgrove's most recent game, a 22-12 win over East Jackson, as he rushed for 212 yards and three touchdowns on runs of 60, 40 and 30 yards.

Days said a summer of hard work as well as some dietary changes have played a big role in his success.

"I changed my diet a little bit," Days said. "I didn't eat too many sweets and I started to drink protein shakes and it's worked out for me. I worked out harder this summer, because I knew we were playing a full varsity schedule and we were taking a step up in competition."

Ironside is also impressed with the way Days has developed as a leader on the young Hillgrove squad.

"He definitely had taken a leadership role," Ironside said. "He's not a vocal guy, but he leads by example. He makes very good decisions on the field."

With 794 yards already, Days appears to be a cinch to cross the 1,000 yard-mark, but securing a winning season for Hillgrove is his main goal.

"It would be nice to get 1,000 yards, but it's not that important," Days said. "The main goal for me from the start of the season was to get a winning record and we have a good chance of doing that."

goshust@mdjonline.com

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