The legend has come to pass. Roger Davis, a Chardon Hilltopper, will be remembered forever as a “truck stick”, and possibly the first ever to hold this unique title. Senior Ben Furlich said, “Rog is the man. I always loved watching him run kids over on his way into the end zone. It will be hard to replace such a truck.”

            Roger was not always born for greatness. When he first started playing football, he was put on the offensive line as a guard. Roger played there from his first year of football all the way up until his sophomore year of high school, where Coach Jim DiPofi moved him out to play wide receiver in the vaunted Wing-T offense. Roger showed some athleticism at this position, and earned a varsity letter as a sophomore. When Coach Hewitt took over at the end of Rog’s sophomore year, he instantly saw some potential, and he and Coach Hall moved Roger all over the field. He ended up being a sort of utility player, knowing every position on the field.

            Roger really came out of his shell during his senior year. As a holder of one of the heaviest squats in the offensive backfield, Coach Hall began to utilize his strengths. Roger was used primarily as a blocker, which he excelled at, however, when he carried the ball he was a force. He has a unique mix of strength and speed which makes him tough to bring down.

            Matt Bolden was a little wary of Roger’s talent, however. Bolden said, “Yes, Roger was a truck, but at the end of the year, I finished with more yards per carry, touchdowns, and carries.” Also, RJ Pikus, another senior, had this to say about Roger’s truck stick name. RJ said, “I brought back the truck stick from Madden ’06, but Roger gained all the credit and publicity because he got the ball. Us wide receivers do the dirty work.”

            Roger had a stellar senior year, coming in clutch for the football team, scoring six touchdowns when close to the goal line. His play on the field paved the way for more big bruising backs, instead of the small speedy running backs that Chardon has been known for. Roger feels that he is honored to be a truck stick. “I hope I can come back in the future and watch other truck sticks wearing the number 8 run kids over.”