LOXAHATCHEE – This was a breakout season for Sebastien Christian.
The Seminole Ridge junior running back earned our Co-Underclassman of the Year for Public Schools honor by way of at least three aspects shown on the field: tenacity, consistency, and availability.
In 11 games played, the 5-foot-11, 171-pound running back finished with 177 carries for 1,185 yards and 14 total touchdowns. He gained 6.7 yards per carry and 107.7 yards per game.
Christian credited his offensive line for helping him reach the 1,000+ rushing mark this past season.
“Without them, nothing is possible,” Christian said. “I thought I had a good relationship with all of them. The more chemistry, the better we could work as a team. I trusted them to deliver and do their job, and they did with me. They put their hearts out on the field for me, as I did for them.”
Christian’s best individual game came against Inlet Grove in Week 5. He had an astounding 24 carries for 244 yards and four touchdowns in Seminole Ridge’s 52-18 win.
Christian on what he remembered the most from Seminole Ridge’s game against Inlet Grove:
“It was just having three guys have to tackle me half the time and touching the end zone four times,” Christian said. “I think it was that.”
Christian reflected on his junior season at Seminole Ridge (8-3 final record; Class 7A playoff berth).
“I’d say it was a lot of work and hustling,” Christian said. “I had fun this year with all my teammates and they all trusted me to make some big plays a lot of times this season. I thought I delivered most of the time.”
Seminole Ridge assistant coach Elton Gilkes agreed with Christian’s sentiment.
“Sebastien is a tremendous young man,” Gilkes said. “He is an extremely hard worker on and off the field. He’s one of the top students in his class (4.1 weighted GPA) and loves the weight room. He is always looking to find ways to improve and get better.”
Gilkes had more to say about Christian.
“Coach [Rick] Casko and the rest of our staff knew how good of a talent he was and we wanted to make him a 1,000-yard rusher this season, which was a goal of Sebastien as well,” Gilkes said. “He may not look like it, but he is the true definition of a workhorse. He got stronger and better as the game went on, and at every chance he touched the ball, a big play had a chance of happening. We are truly excited for his senior year and the opportunities he could earn in scholarships.”
PLEASE NOTE: Christian will be sharing the Underclassman of the Year – Public honor with Palm Beach Central junior wide receiver Javorian Wimberly. The other two nominees are Jupiter junior running back Emonte Brown and Pahokee junior defensive end Deejay Holmes.