Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

High School Football:

Sun Player of the Week: Cimarron’s Bennett scored twice before offense took the field

Maurice Bennett

Special to the Sun, Maurice Bennett

Cimarron-Memorial’s Maurice Bennett throws the ball to an official after scoring a touchdown.

To nominate

The Sun's high school football player of the week is designed for an under-the-radar player making an impact on Friday nights. To nominate someone, contact Ray Brewer at [email protected]. Winners are selected each Monday. They receive a $50 gift card to Sammy's Woodfired Pizza and a certificate of recognition.

Prep Sports Now

Underreacting

Las Vegas Sun sports reporters Ray Brewer and Case Keefer try to atone for an obnoxious case of overreaction after the first week of games by dialing back their opinions. They also debate Liberty vs. Coronado, and come out on opposite sides regarding how the game will play out.

Cimarron-Memorial High kickoff returner Maurice Bennett was surprised the ball came his direction last week against Durango.

One week earlier, Cheyenne refused to give him a chance to return the ball, opting for a short kick because they feared Bennett would break free for a touchdown.

That’s exactly what he did against Durango. And not just once.

Bennett had kickoff returns of 90 and 80 yards for a touchdown on consecutive kickoffs in the first quarter, helping the Spartans improve their record to 2-0 with a 48-7 victory. He added three rushing touchdowns to finish with five scores to earn him the Sun’s Player of the Week award.

The award isn’t necessarily designed for an established player or someone committed to a Division I school. Rather, it is for those talented athletes under the radar who deserve recognition for their efforts.

Bennett, who stands just 5 foot 7 and weighs 170 pounds, scored touchdowns the initial three times he touched the ball. Regardless of the opponent — Durango didn’t win a game last season — that’s a tremendous feat, further helping Bennett establish himself as one of the Sunset Region’s top players.

Until the Durango game, though, not many knew of his talents. He also plays safety and is the backup quarterback.

“His football IQ is off the charts,” Cimarron coach John Parcells said. “He knows the playbook better than most everybody, including the coaches. And he’s a very tough kid. He plays hard every game."

Bennett was moved to running back this season after playing wide receiver the past two seasons. He rushed for 100 yards in the win against Cheyenne and had about 60 yards on six carries with three touchdowns against Durango.

His motto is simple: “The person who works the hardest gets the best rewards,” he says.

More about Maurice:

More than a football player Bennett is active in the Cimarron-Memorial student council, helping coordinate spirit assemblies and frequently doing community service with the group. He also holds a part-time job, typically working 6 to 10 p.m. at a pizza restaurant. He still maintains a grade point average of more than 3.0 and plans to study law in college. He’s a fan of crime shows such as "Law and Order" and strives for a career as a homicide detective.

Favorite college team LSU. “I like the vibe they have and how they always go out and play hard,” he said.

Favorite professional team: The Denver Broncos because his first Pop Warner team was the Broncos. In the offseason, Bennett met Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall, a Cimarron-Memorial graduate who played in last year’s Super Bowl.

Ray Brewer can be reached at 990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21

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