A-K Valley football Q&A with Plum’s Dakota Sunday

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, September 20, 2017 | 7:51 PM

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Before last Friday's Class 5A Big East Conference matchup between Plum and Franklin Regional, Plum coach Matt Morgan had yet to award a game ball following a Mustangs' win.

That changed following Plum's 33-7 eye-opening win over the undefeated Panthers when part-time fullback, part-time running back and full-time bulldozer Dakota Sunday was awarded the game ball following his four-touchdown performance.

“I've never given a game ball in my entire career at Plum, and I had to give him a game ball after the win,” said Morgan, who is in his fifth season as the Mustangs coach. “That's the reason why we had success last Friday; it was his play.”

With the injury to senior quarterback Corey Thomas, the 5-foot-9, 200-pound Sunday stepped in as the Mustangs' short-yardage specialist. He scored on runs of 1, 4 and 1 yards, all in the second half, to help the Mustangs pull away from the Panthers. Sunday proved he's also a threat in the passing game when he pulled in a 7-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Anthony Little to give Plum (2-2, 2-1) the lead for good at 13-7 late in the first half.

“We keep him in there at all times because he can run, block and catch the ball,” Morgan said.

Sunday is a force on defense, as well.

He leads the Mustangs in tackles (26) through four games and solo tackles (13) from his middle linebacker position.

“He's a throwback kind of kid,” Morgan said. “He's physical as all heck. He literally punishes people at fullback and linebacker.”

When did you begin playing football?

I started in the midget league, probably when I was 9 years old.

Did you wake up last Friday morning and think you were going to score four touchdowns later that night?

No. Our offensive line just came to play. We worked as a team, and we're starting to click as a team, I think.

Are you more of a running back or a linebacker?

I enjoy linebacker better, but it's always nice to lay somebody on their back blocking.

What are your thoughts on receiving coach Morgan's first-ever game ball?

That was amazing. I was pretty pumped that he did that. I'm gonna bring it back and get everybody to sign it. That win was a team effort.

What did last week's win over Franklin Regional do for your team?

We lost one of our really good running backs in Corey Thomas, and everybody had to step up.

Do you think last week's win caught the attention of your conference rivals?

Oh yes. When you hear about Plum, and nobody really worries about us. They're not going to sleep on us.

What is the strength of this year's team?

I think our running game is our strength.

What does Plum need to do better to reach the postseason?

I think more discipline, watch the penalties a little bit and finishing plays.

Why do you wear No. 33?

I used to have 34, and when I started in 10th grade I had to pick a number, and it just stuck.

Who is your favorite football player?

Jack Lambert or James Harrison.

What are your favorite college and NFL football teams?

Steelers and Patriots and Ohio State.

What's your nickname?

They call me “Meatball.” I guess since I'm short and stocky.

Who has the best nickname on the team?

I think I have the best nickname.

William Whalen is a freelance writer.

Tags: Plum