Columbus North’s Damon Edwards (5) hauls in a pass between Roncalli’s Judson Lawrie (4) and Brayden Lauck (6) during a game at Max Andress Field at Columbus North High School. Tommy Walker/For The Republic
During a private conversation this summer, new Columbus North football coach Logan Haston asked Damon Edwards how he felt about being used as a quarterback this season. Edwards smiled at him.
It was only the beginning of the many ways that Edwards has been used offensively for the Bull Dogs. He’s been in a variety of roles — wide receiver, running back and sometimes as a quarterback in the Wildcat formation.
North is going to need every trick in the playbook when it hosts Class 6A No. 4 Center Grove at Max Andress Field in Friday’s sectional final.
“For me, when I first got hired, he was one of those guys that stood out to me right away that he loves football. That’s not a knock on anyone else on our team, but the kid loves football,” Haston said. “He’s a competitor, he’s a gamer, he wants to do what it takes to win a game. When you‘ve got a guys like that, you want to use him in versatile ways. He’s one of our weapons on offense and because he has bought into it, we’ve been able to do some cool stuff.”
Damon Edwards
For Edwards, he’s grateful that Haston came to him for the opportunity to be put in the positions to help his team succeed.
“He definitely believes in me, but he has faith in the whole team,” Edwards said. “It’s not just me that can do that, but I happen to be the one that was put in that position. I’m grateful for that.”
Edwards is second on the team in receiving yards with 506, along with five receiving touchdowns. He’s thrown for 72 yards with two passing touchdowns and has added 31 yards rushing.
“I think what makes him so dangerous is that he’s a competitor. He wants to win. The effort he gives to study the game plan and to know how be a factor as a receiver, quarterback, running back, whatever we ask of him,” Haston said. “He’s just brought into everything we asked because he wants to succeed, and he knows what he can do to help our team to succeed, so it’s a testament to him and his competitive nature that he’s able to do cool stuff that he does on our offense.”
In addition to football, Edwards also plays basketball for the Bull Dogs. He saw some varsity action last year and is expected to be a key contributor on the court this season.
“Definitely part of it is my athleticism. I am grateful for how that has turned out,” Edwards said. “I have become a pretty good athlete, but back with it, my team has helped me get to that confidence level to even play in that position.”
Fellow senior receiver Cooper Horn and North’s offense have broken a few school records this season. As an offense, the Bull Dogs have netted almost 4,000 yards total, with 2,518 yards through the air and another 1,402 on the ground. They’ll look to extend their season on Friday.
“He’s excited,” Haston said. “I can speak for Damon and a lot of our receivers that it’s pretty fun offense to be in. It’s creative, and they get to be a part of that.“
