Athlete of the Week

Two years ago, Central Catholic junior Montell Bland burst onto the scene with a 103-yard performance in a 36-23 win over Bakersfield Christian in the CIF Division IV State Bowl.

After an injury-marred sophomore season, Bland was eager to find that form once again.

This season, the 6-foot-1, 200-pound fullback/linebacker has accomplished that and much more. Bland rushed for 104 yards and a touchdown on nine carries, while collecting a sack and an interception in the Raiders’ 56-21 victory over San Marino in the Open Division Small-School State Bowl on Saturday.

Central Catholic has now won four consecutive state titles. Bland has been on the field for the last three, but the latest one was special; he was healthy and no longer the wide-eyed underclassman.

“This is the first I’ve got to play healthy through a full season,” he said. “This one feels like I’m of age and in their age group. There’s more of a brotherhood with this group than any of the other teams.”

Age: 17

Class: Junior

Parents: Lisa Smith and Louis Bland

Place of birth: Modesto

Hobby: Playing “NBA 2K16” on PlayStation 4

Favorite class: AP U.S. History

Favorite teacher: Mr. Greg Heutmaker, fifth grade, Ustach Middle School

Favorite meal: Mom’s macaroni and cheese

Favorite athlete: Bo Jackson

Favorite superhero: The Flash

Favorite app: Snapchat

Favorite emoji: Ring emoji

Can’t stop listening to: Bryson Tiller’s “TRAPSOUL”

Three things you’d want on a desert island: PlayStation 4, phone and family

This story was originally published December 22, 2015 at 3:28 PM with the headline "Athlete of the Week."