WR Kaleb Ballard Selected as First Community Bank Athlete of the Week

Kaleb Ballard delivers two-touchdown night for Wetumpka Wetumpka came up just short in a 32-29 loss to Russell County, but Kaleb Ballard gave the Indians a big-play threat from start to finish. The junior wide receiver turned 3 receptions into 146 yards and 2 touchdowns, averaging nearly 49 yards per catch. His longest reception went for 69 yards as Ballard repeatedly found ways to get behind the Russell County defense. His first touchdown came on a creative play out of the Wildcat formation. With Carson Tate taking the direct snap, Ballard slipped open in the end zone and Tate found him for the score, helping Wetumpka answer an early Russell County touchdown. Ballard’s biggest play, however, came with Wetumpka running out of time. Trailing by nine with less than a minute remaining, the Indians went to the hurry-up offense, and Tate looked deep for Ballard, who had a step on the secondary. Ballard hauled in the pass and raced into the end zone for his second touchdown, pulling Wetumpka within three and giving the Indians one final chance. Although the comeback ultimately fell short, Ballard’s ability to create explosive plays helped keep Wetumpka within striking distance against an undefeated Russell County team. With 146 receiving yards and two touchdowns, No. 5 made his impact felt whenever the Indians needed a big play.