Wise County Public Schools

COEBURN, VA — Sophomore Rocky Bond is making waves at Eastside High School, earning the title of Player of the Week for his outstanding performance on the football field. Bond, who plays both wide receiver and defensive end, showcased his versatility during Friday night's game by scoring three touchdowns, including two rushing and a kickoff return, while also making significant defensive plays.

"Well, on offense, I’m a wide receiver, and I got good linemen up front be able to do what I do and be able to catch the ball, to do with things I can’t do anything without my team. I need my team. Obviously, it’s football, it’s a team sport. And on defense, I’m on D-line, and I just to try to contain and keep my squat," Bond said.

One of the highlights of the game was when Bond found an opening and capitalized on it. "I saw a hole, and I took off and I got in," he said.

Despite being just a sophomore, Bond attributes his success to the extra effort he puts in behind the scenes. "I’ve been putting in my footwork, I’ve been lifting. I just been putting a whole lot of extra work that people don’t see, that I’ve been doing," he said.

Coach Mike Rhodes praised Bond's adaptability, noting his ability to play multiple positions. "You know, Rocky is one of those guys, and he’s a utility guy. He can play running back and play receiver. He can play the plays defensive end for us. He can play linebacker. He can play defensive back. He’s one of the fastest kids in southwest Virginia, and him being so versatile really opens it up for a lot of things that we can do with him and move him around and to where teams can’t keep on him as easy," Rhodes said.

For Bond, football is about more than just the game; it's about his teammates. "I’m really proud of all the stuff that we have accomplished, and we do got a really young team, and we’ve just been putting in the work. And I’m just really proud of everything," he said.

Eastside High School is hitting the road to face Rural Retreat at 7 p.m. on Friday.

Link to WCYB article: https://wcyb.com/sports/player-of-the-week/eastside-highs-rocky-bond-shines-as-player-of-the-week