Daily Pilot Football Player of the Week: David Marshall

Barry Faulkner

When the Newport Harbor High football team breaks into positional

groups during practice, there are probably days when senior David

Marshall hesitates for at least a split second.

For, whether it be offense or defense, Marshall’s versatility and

athleticism have helped him cover virtually every position on the field

during his four years in the program.

“I’ve learned a lot of different aspects of the game and it has been a

lot of fun,” said Marshall, who helped extend the Sailors’ season with a

handful of big plays in Friday’s 36-25 CIF Southern Section Division VI

quarterfinal win over visiting Cerritos.

Marshall, a tight end and defensive end, is one of four Sailors

scheduled to start Saturday’s semifinal clash at La Mirada on both sides

of the ball. He did a little bit of everything last week.

In addition to blocking well as the extension of a talented offensive

line, the 6-foot-3, 190-pounder, who is moved to fullback in certain

situations, sprinted 42 yards with his only carry to spark a nine-play,

86-yard touchdown drive that broke a 7-7 tie. Marshall then capped the

second-quarter scoring sequence by fielding a lateral snap and running in

for two points, behind a swinging gate formation that caught the Dons off

guard.

Not done yet, Marshall made a sliding over-the-shoulder catch in the

corner of the end zone on a 3-yard Morgan Craig bootleg pass. The

touchdown, his fourth of the season, all on receptions, helped the

Sailors put the game out of reach with 4:37 left, after the Dons had

pulled to within 29-19 with 7:59 remaining. It also helped Marshall

secure Daily Pilot Player of the Week honors.

“It was a great catch,” Newport Harbor Coach Jeff Brinkley said of the

touchdown grab. “He sealed off the defender, made a tough catch and

managed to get both feet down.”

It was one of the more obvious contributions from Marhsall, who

wouldn’t mind if the spotlight never shone his way.

“I just work well with my teammates,” said Marshall, whose bond with

those teammates starts at home with twin brother Jeff, a two-year starter

at center.

“During the season, most of our conversations are about football,”

said David Marshall, who is among those who regularly attends midweek

dinners with the offensive line.

“Even on the weekends, I’m almost always hanging out with somebody I

play football with.”

Marshall, the quiet, shy type, has had ample opportunity to make

friends by playing several positions on both sides of the ball.

Defensively, he began as a freshman cornerback, then played some

linebacker, before settling at end.

On offense, he began as a tailback, then shifted to fullback on his

way to tight end. This season alone, he has started at tight end, then

fullback, before returning to tight end.

“I guess I’ve played everywhere but quarterback,” he said.

In addition to his passion for weight training, which has allowed him

to hold his own against bigger rivals in the trenches, Marshall said

technique has been his key to success.

“He has really stepped up as a senior and done a really good job,”

Brinkley said.

Part of Marshall’s development, which he credits to his work toward

becoming an Eagle scout -- a goal he realized earlier this month --

involves leadership.

“Scouting has really given me an extra edge there,” Marshall said.

“I’ve always been a really shy person, but scouting provided

opportunities to work with people in a leadership role.”