Sam Babbush | Beachwood High School | Football | Senior

ED CARROLL | STAFF REPORTER ecarroll@cjn.org | @EdCarrollCJN

Beachwood High School senior wide receiver and kicker Sam Babbush is the Cleveland Jewish News-Buffalo Wild Wings Warrensville Heights Player of the Week.

Babbush, 18, earned the honors for his performance with the Bison, including 22 touchbacks on kickoffs, 25-for-28 on points after touchdown attempts,and 4-for-5 on field goals, with a long of 45 yards.

“On the field, I think I’ve done well,” Babbush said. “My leg for kicking has gotten stronger. I was named captain this year, that was very exciting. I feel my leadership skills exceeded what I expected them to be and I think I surprised myself and my coaches. It was a really fun year.”

Babbush said he had more fun playing wide receiver this season, but he thinks his kicking is what will help him play in college, which is a goal of his. He’s still considering a few different colleges for school next year.

“I’ve gotta focus on (kicking),” he said. “It can be hard sometimes, but I’ve got to do my best.”

His kicking has helped lead the team to six wins, though the Bison just missed the playoffs.

Babbush has also been raising money on behalf of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Fund, an organization that funds research into childhood cancer. He’s been collecting donations and using his performance to try to raise money. All total, Babbush has raised $10,518 this season.

Beachwood football coach Damian Creel said Babbush has come a long way, starting out as a soccer player before becoming a football player full time. Creel said Babbush has grown up and matured a lot, and done everything that’s been asked of him.

“Sam had a phenomenal season kicking the ball for us,” Creel said. “He also plays receiver for us but wasn’t able to catch as many balls as he’d like offensively due to our lack of throwing the football, but in terms of him kicking for us this year, he was an absolute weapon for us.”

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