BOCA RATON – Matthew James is in a class by himself.
The reason why this applies to the St. Andrew’s junior athlete is because of his unique combination of speed, athleticism, tenacity, grit, and versatility. It was evident in how the Scots benefited from his overall play in five games played this past season.
James (6-foot-1, 170 pounds) finished his junior year with 22 receptions for 425 yards and 8 touchdowns on offense, while adding 32 tackles and one interception on defense. He also had a punt return for a touchdown and 700+ all-purpose yards.
Win or lose, the level of impact that James has in all three phases of the game (offense, defense, and special team) is undeniable. And that’s why he has been selected as our 561 Private Underclassman of the Year.
James beat out fellow nominees Tyler Aronson (Benjamin freshman quarterback), Brandyn Butler (American Heritage-Delray Beach junior athlete), and Trey Rainey (American Heritage-Delray Beach junior running back) for the honor.
“Any recognition is always great to receive, but it’s something special when you have a player like Matthew James who you see improve every year,” St. Andrew’s head coach Jimmy Robertson said. “He is getting a lot of local, state, and national attention. I’m excited for him because he definitely earned it.”
The best game for James this past season arguably came in a loss, believe it or not. During his team’s home opener against St. John Paul II, James scored two touchdowns in what turned out to be a 28-20 defeat.
Here’s how James got it done:
Late in the third quarter of the Oct. 30, 2020 game, St. Andrew’s faced a third-and-long play. At the St. John Paul II 26-yard line, it was go time for James.
The 6-foot-1, 165-pound athlete caught a fade pass from senior quarterback Jeremiah Young. He went on to reach the end zone and get the Scots back in the game.
Robertson recalled how it went down.
“Matt came up to me and said, ‘Throw me a go route now. I want the ball,’” Robertson said. “He has a back shoulder touchdown catch. He makes it look easy. It’s all natural, effortless.”
James also had a two-point conversion on a running play. He scored 14 of the Scots 20 points.
In addition, the junior standout recorded five tackles and three pass breakups on defense.
“He came up big with his two touchdowns and multiple tackles,” St. Andrew’s sophomore athlete Bill Young said of James. “He also had many pass breakups, which was a big momentum change for us. He’s a really good player all-around.”
The most amazing part of James’ performance against St. John Paul II was arguably what he did on special teams. He unveiled another skill, which was on display when he recorded a 45-yard punt in the game.
“Yes he can punt too,” Robertson said of James.
The Scots head coach provided his final assessment on James.
“He does it all,” Robertson said. “He will continue to get better and has the potential to be a really, really good player. He still isn’t done. Wait until next season.”
PHOTO CREDITS: Keith Forde
