News 4 Tucson Player of the Week: Mountain View Linebacker Caden Rudy | Player of the Week

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – Mountain View handed Flowing Wells its first loss of the season in dominant fashion.

Senior linebacker Caden Rudy was the x-factor. 

“I like to be in the right place at the right time,” he said.

Rudy certainly was in this game. The Mountain Lions blocked a Cabs field goal in the first half. The linebacker scooped up the ball and took off. He returned it 83 yards for the touchdown. 

“It felt great,” he said. “Honestly, I was so out of breath. All my teammates celebrated with me. I was like, ‘Get off me, I just ran 100 yards. I’m good.’ It was a great feeling.”

“We had a blocked field goal earlier in the year,” Head Coach Matt Johnson said. “Everyone just stared at each other rather than grabbing the ball. He obviously remembered our coaching point. Extra points you can’t return but field goals you can so I was really proud of him for being quick on his feet with his thinking.”

Rudy was quick on his feet literally too. He gets his speed from running track.

“It really gives you good form,” he said. “Like good running form. You’re running constantly so you’ll get faster you’ll keep running. Build stronger hamstrings, stronger legs. It helps all around.”

“He probably should talk to the track coaches and thank them for the touchdown because Flowing Wells couldn’t catch him,” Johnson said.

That wasn’t Rudy’s only big play. He also had an interception which led to a touchdown in the second half and ten tackles. Plus, he stepped up and played offensive line due to injuries. 

“He’s just a team first guy,” Johnson said. “He’s one of those guys you can trust that’s always doing the right thing.”

Rudy and the Mountain Lions host Nogales Friday at 7 p.m.