It was only about eight months ago that quarterback Hollis Mathis was leading Penn Hills to a PIAA football championship in Hershey.
But the dual-threat quarterback has moved on to college football and his progress has been notably swift.
Mathis became the first true freshman at William & Mary to start under center in the program’s 126 years Saturday and he played a big role in the Tribe’s 30-17 victory over Lafayette.
In fact, his efforts earned him Colonial Athletic Conference Rookie of the Week honors.
Mathis rushed for a game-high 127 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries and also passed for 66 yards. He was 6-of-13 passing.
The rushing total is believed to be a school record by a quarterback.
As a senior at Penn Hills, the 6-foot-1, 170-pound Mathis threw for 2,800 yards and 40 touchdowns, including three scoring throws in a 36-31 win over Manheim Central in the PIAA Class 5A title game.
Week 1⃣
— William & Mary Tribe Football (@WMTribeFootball) September 2, 2019
✅ 1st true freshman QB to start a season opener in school history
✅ Most rushing yds by a QB in school history (127)
✅ Tribe Victory
✅ #CAAFB Rookie of the Week#OurStateOurTribe pic.twitter.com/AK2nYwOCpF
