If you haven't seen him play yet, you need to check out a Newton Ram football game.

Sophomore Akeem Hunt electrified the home crowd Saturday against McIntosh as he rushed for 108 yards on offense while making four tackles on the defensive side.

More importantly, Hunt ripped off an 82-yard touchdown run when his team needed an answer to a McIntosh touchdown late in the game. For his performance, Hunt has been named the Covington News/Johnny's Pizza Prep Athlete of the Week.

Hunt's coach Nick Collins was pleased about his young player's contributions and said Hunt is a rising start that embodies the new attitude of Ram football.

"Akeem showed what we have said he could do which is make big plays," Collins said. "He still has a way to go as far understanding the preparation part of the game, but he is a big play maker."

Hunt's performance helped the Rams defeat an upstart McIntosh team and move to 1-1 heading into tonight's matchup with county rival Eastside.

"It felt really good," Hunt said of his 82-yard run. "I don't start on offense so I was fresh. They sub me in for sweeps because I'm fast. I just needed my blockers and I got out on the edge. It felt good."

The Rams used several running backs, including senior Quinton Pooler who is more of a physical, up the middle back, to punish McIntosh. But Hunt's speed adds a new element to Newton's offense.

After Saturday's win, Collins spoke about a new-found attitude on his team. Hunt says he's felt it too. As a freshman, he played at the Varsity level last year. The Rams struggled to find offensive continuity but both Collins and Hunt feel like the team is turning the corner and good things lie ahead.

"There's a different feeling on the team this year," Hunt said. "Everyone is dedicated and it wasn't like that before. We've got good coaches and a new principal. I feel good about the team and how we are doing so far."