New Diana’s Garrett Barton is the ETSN.fm + Dairy Queen Defensive Player of the Week

Garrett Barton has spent the majority of his senior football season showcasing his talent on offense, where he starts at running back for New Diana.

Friday night against Elysian Fields, he added defensive standout to his list of abilities.

Barton recorded seven tackles, forced three fumbles, and recovered one fumble in a pivotal 45-33 road victory that put the Eagles (6-3, 3-3) on the brink of their first playoff berth since 2009.

Barton's big performance earned him the ETSN.fm/Dairy Queen Defensive Player of the Week award.

New Diana RB/DB Garrett Barton. (Christopher Vinn, ETSN.fm)

From his outside linebacker spot, Barton keyed a New Diana defense that forced four turnovers, all fumbles. The Eagles, who had five sacks, also caused two more fumbles that Elysian Fields retained. Cody Holland had 10 tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble, while Brandon Wesley, New Diana's leading tackler this season with 111, had 10 tackles and two fumble recoveries.

As usual, Barton delivered on offense as well. While Elysian Fields found a way to shut down his running ability (14 carries, 19 yards), the 5-foot-11, 175-pounder stepped up as quarterback Jobie Ainsworth's playmaker in the passing game.

Ainsworth had a monster game, accounting for seven total touchdowns, 329 passing yards, and 73 rushing yards. Two of his five touchdown throws went to Barton, who caught seven passes for 153 yards.

Barton enters Friday's home game against DeKalb (1-8, 1-5) with a full stat sheet: 146 carries, 1,142 yards, 15 rushing touchdowns, 13 catches, 378 receiving yards, five touchdown grabs, and 27 tackles.

A win clinches a playoff berth for New Diana, which could also qualify for the postseason if it loses. If that happens, the Eagles need Paul Pewitt to beat Elysian Fields or have EF win by 12 points or fewer.

ETSN.fm/Dairy Queen 2013 Defensive Players of the Week

Filed Under: New Diana, Player of the Week

Categories: Class 2A, Football, News