Caleb Walker wears #1 and he has been dubbed as the #1 versatile offensive threat for the Fairmont Senior Polar Bears. The senior running back and wide receiver will be relied upon heavily as FSHS looks to return to the Super Six for the third consecutive season. “Now he is the man,” said Fairmont Senior head coach Nick Bartic. “He is versatile and can catch the ball well out of the backfield. He runs good routes. Using his speed and his vision, we are going to stay balanced.”
Walker has played behind four-year starter Bryson Gilbert, a player who accounted for 1,745 yards of total offense and 29 touchdowns last season and led the Polar Bears to forty victories in four seasons. “He ran hard every play and that’s why he was so good, said Walker. “Three years I was second team, second string. I had to wait behind some good running backs. Now it is my time to shine.”
As a junior, Walker led the Polar Bears with 783 receiving yards. He scored ten rushing touchdowns and added eight more on the receiving end. Walker proved his value in the Polar Bears’ 35-6 win at top-seeded and previously unbeaten Mingo Central in the state semifinal. Walker scored three of FSHS’ five touchdowns. “It boosted my confidence to know that I can carry the ball, shoulder the load and take the pressure off of Bryson,” said Walker.
Fellow senior Connor Neal will join Walker in the Polar Bear backfield. Neal tossed 31 touchdown passes in his junior season. “He knows what he is doing every play,” said Walker. “Me and him and probably the smartest two on the team. We help everyone around us.”
Fairmont Senior last claimed a state championship in 1946. Walker believes his team is set up well to return to Wheeling Island Stadium once again. “That would mean everything,” said Walker. “I think we can do it. We have a good team. I think we will be back there,” said Walker.