WEST PALM BEACH – Markell Lee is a unique kind of football player.
Just by showing up, he’s doing a whole lot for his team and himself. It has something to do with his affable and electric personality, which provides an unexplainable edge to his team.
This has done wonders in the past two regular season games for No. 3 Palm Beach Lakes (2-0). But in Monday night’s game at No. 6 Glades Central (2-1), Lee’s level of excitement on the field was taken to another realm.
The stat line doesn’t stand out, as Lee had two catches for 65 yards and a touchdown in the Rams 44–13 win over the Raiders. But remember, it’s what he does with the ball that is memorable in more ways than one.
Case in point: Lee’s 30-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Tre’Von Taylor with 6:12 left in the third quarter. This score came right after Glades Central’s short punt and gave Lakes a 22-7 lead.
In essence, Lee helped open the scoring floodgates for Palm Beach Lakes because it was a close one at 16-7 prior to his action.
“Coming from halftime, me, Tre’Von, and all the receivers were talking about what’s open,” Lee said. “Then we told Coach (Lakes head coach Al Shipman) that if we run that play, it would be open. Coach took our word and tried it. The whole first half when I would run him (the opposing man) off, he would be beat. Tre’Von saw it.”
Taylor, a two-time MVP of the Week nominee, raved about Lee’s ability to make an impact on the field and is happy to see him earn the Breakthrough Player of Week 3 honor.
“He works on his craft a lot,” Taylor said. “He deserves it.”
Palm Beach Lakes offensive coordinator Obrian Edwards offered his take on Lee’s style of play and accomplishment.
“Markell is a blue collar guy,” Edwards said. “He comes to practice everyday wth the intent to be better than he was the day before. He has exceptional ball skills. He has the three H’s necessary to consistently make plays: Hardworking, humbled, and hungry. He, as well as our other skill players, will continue to make plays as long as they keep the same attitude.”
NOTE: Speaking of other Palm Beach Lakes players, we also considered senior defensive back Anthony Bradley for our Breakthrough Player of Week 3. He caught two interceptions against Glades Central, including one for a touchdown on Monday night (Sept. 9).
Rams senior running back Micah Butler was up for consideration to be our Breakthrough Player of Week 3 as well. He had a 17-yard touchdown run in the first quarter (1:02 mark) to give his team an early 10-7 lead.
