Pahokee freshman Austin Simmons is this week’s Big Lake Athlete of the Week for his performance in the Blue Devils’ 41-7 win over the Okeechobee Brahmans on Oct. 1.

Simmons played a key role in Pahokee’s powerhouse offensive showing against the Brahmans. He ended the night 15 of 23 with 317 yards passing and four touchdowns. This is coming off a 313 yard and three touchdown performance against Palm Beach Gardens the week prior.

Austin was quick, decisive, and accurate in the pocket when facing the Brahman defense. Two of his touchdowns went to Pahokee senior Maurice Collier Jr. The first touchdown came in the first quarter with the Pahokee offense at around midfield. Collier ran past the Brahman defending him and Simmons hit him in stride at the Okeechobee 25-yard line. Collier then strolled untouched into the endzone.

His second touchdown to Collier came with the Pahokee offense on their own 35-yard line. After the snap, the Brahman safety drifted to the west side of the field, near the Okeechobee sideline. This opened up the middle of the field, which Austin read and hit Collier on a post route for a 65-yard touchdown.

Austin is a freshman and has only played two games for the Blue Devils so far this season, but it looks like Pahokee has a legit weapon under center.

The Blue Devils now enter a tougher portion of their schedule, which could provide a good test for Austin and this Pahokee offense. They host the 4-1 Treasure Coast Titans, will travel to take on the undefeated Clewiston Tigers, and then, at the end of the season, host the highly anticipated Muck Bowl against Glades Central.

If you have someone you’d like to nominate for Big Lake Athlete of the Week, email Lake Okeechobee News sports reporter Richard Marion at rmarion@iniusa.org or visit our Athlete of the Week nomination page at southcentralfloridalife.com/athlete.