PEMBERVILLE, Ohio — The endzone has become a second home for Eastwood sophomore Cam Schumaker. This fall, he seemingly has found every way to score on a football field.
A reality that came to light in Pemberville when the Eagles hosted Archbold in the first round of the playoffs. It took Schumaker one half to score a career-high four touchdowns in the game, capped off by a 68-yard interception return for a score.
"The quarterback threw it and I go pick it off," Schumaker said. "I really wanted to get that fourth touchdown, so I turned it up and scored. Nobody was catching me."
2024 has proven to be a breakout season for this do-it-all athlete. Head coach Sam Cotterman said getting the ball in Schumaker's hands has been a focus for the team.
A goal that has paid off with him leading the team in total touchdowns scored (15), among non-QBs. You flip his role to defense and Schumaker is just as impactful with a program-best 62 tackles this year.
"I would say my toughness," Schumaker said. "I go out there and want to play as hard as I can and hit people."
Four interceptions, two fumble recoveries and three sacks add to the picture of his play. He does so with a tenacious but positive attitude as well.
"You see him anytime you talk to him, he's always got a smile on his face," Cotterman said. "Even when we're yelling at him, he's smiling, which I don't know what's going through his head at that time but he's got a smile."
On Sunday, the Northern Buckeye Conference tabbed Schumaker with 2nd-team honors for both offense and defense. A testament to the entire Eastwood unit.
"I mean it's real easy for me to score touchdowns when you got a great quarterback like Drew Luidhardt throwing me the ball," Schumaker said. "It comes right into my hands every time and the offensive line does a great job blocking."
With so many beneficial qualities to enjoy, perhaps the most exciting element he provides is years remaining on the team. Just a sophomore, Schumaker possesses a bright future given what he's already accomplished.
"I don't even think people really look at me as a sophomore, they just look at me as a dude out there playing," Schumaker said. "I honestly respect that and like that because it doesn't matter when you get into high school. It's all fair game."
As a freshman, he mainly played on special teams but continued to grow both on and off the field. His head coach still can't quite fathom the quickness in elevation of which Schumaker has been able to perform.
"Sometimes I forget that [he's a sophomore] too, but he's a player," Cotterman said. "We knew as a freshman he was going to be good. I didn't know it would be to this caliber, but we believe he's one of the best players in the league."
Last week, the star running back/linebacker further proved that with his bevy of scoring in Eastwood's final home game of 2024. After shutting out Archbold 41-0, the Eagles will travel to Creston for a second round matchup with Norwayne on Friday.
The Bobcats are 10-1 and seeded 4th in the Division V-Region 18 bracket. Eastwood is also 10-1 (#5 seed) and will be seeking its second trip to the regional semifinals in three seasons.