Male Athlete of the Week: Sickles' Cary White

Nagging soreness limited Cary White's ability to effectively push off on his right ankle Friday night.

Stepping up was another matter entirely.

In a game Sickles had to win to remain in playoff contention, White ran for a career-best 254 yards on 22 carries to help rally the Gryphons to a 17-16 victory at Boca Ciega. A 5-foot-9, 210-pound senior, White's 64-yard touchdown run on the final play of the third period provided the final margin.

"I could tell there were a couple of plays where I would've definitely broken and had a touchdown," said White, who also had runs of 47, 23 and 20 yards after halftime. "It was just, for some reason, after about 50 yards my ankle felt a little softer and it kind of gave a little bit on me."

In five games, White,  playing with a supportive brace, has 683 yards on 91 carries. He says Florida International and Western Kentucky -- both of whom have offered him a scholarship -- are his two top college choices at this point. Division I-AA Towson University also has made an offer.

If you have a standout athlete with a memorable performance that you think should be considered, e-mail us at hometeam@tampabay.com. Athletes of the week each receive tickets to a future Lightning game, courtesy of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Players in post

• Cary White

Teams in post

• Sickles High School