LAKEWOOD — Senior Tyler Courtney of Lakewood played his best game rushing for 182 yards and accounting for three touchdowns in the Cougars victory against Shorecrest 24-19 Nov. 3.

It was a 2A district play-in game, and now the Cougars will play undefeated Squalicum Nov. 7 in Bellingham at 7 p.m. As a result, Courtney is the Marysville Globe-Arlington Times Athlete of the Week.

The 6-foot, 190-pound running back credits the offensive line.

“I give all the props to my line,” Courtney said. “I run my hardest for them.”

Courtney’s offensive line was able to create cutback lanes, which he was able to hit, running through arm tackles. His longest TD was 62 yards, and he also caught a TD pass for 16 yards from sophomore quarterback Austin Lane.

He exceeded his previous best of 150 yards against Cedar Park Christian Oct. 9.

Courtney has honed his “fluidity” as a running back such as waiting for lanes to develop and ball security, coach Dan Teeter said.

It also helps that he is fast — he’s on the 4×100 relay for the track team.

“He’s got sprinter speed, and he doesn’t go down easily,” Teeter said.

Courtney likes to play defense too. Playing outside linebacker, he recorded a sack in his recent game.

Above carrying the ball and “knocking the snot” out of opposing players, Courtney loves the team aspect of the game.

“All 11 of us are working as one,” Courtney said.

When he was young, his dad wanted him to play, but he was too shy. But that changed in the sixth grade.

“Becoming a part of a team really brought me out to make new friends,” Courtney said. “It’s helped me be more outgoing. I’ll take challenges head on.”

A team captain, he is looked up to both on and off the field by teammates, Teeter said.

“He has been highly committed to the program,” Teeter said. “He puts his teammates first.”

Football has encouraged him to help his community as well, such as working and bringing an awareness to a local homeless shelter.

He wants to continue playing football at Eastern, University of Washington or Pacific Lutheran University.

“He can play football at some kind of level,” Teeter said. “But at what level has yet to be seen.”