By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

SALEM, Ore.– West Salem’s Zachary Dodson-Greene was dog-tired following Valley Capital’s Semi-Final run Sunday afternoon at McKay City Park.  Taking his time sitting down on the sideline, catching his breath, as McNary and Southridge were battling it out on the gridiron for the Oregon 7’s Week 4 Championship.

Normally an offensive guy exclusively, Dodson-Greene had played both ways Sunday.  Showing off his athleticism while challenging him mentally and physical to perform the best that he can for the squad.

“It was pretty tiring but it’s something for me to adapt to, certain amount of plays I make, just be ready for that type of stuff.  Staying conditioned and stuff,” said Dodson-Greene of the challenge.  “It’s always good to play defense, especially as a receiver it allows me to know that side of the ball. 

“I can use that side of the ball to improve on my side of the ball.  It helps completely because even little D(efensive) B(ack)’s, little moves that would tell me where they’re going to go.  If they bail off right away, I know they’ll probably be in Cover 3 so I can always round it off if I’m running like a Dig (route) just to get my speed breaks.”

Dodson-Greene has always been looking for the advantage.  His work ethic is something noteworthy as he’s always doing something.  Whether it’s playing both sides of the work, getting it in with 7-on-7 tournaments, or busting out reps in the weight room, Dodson-Greene is finding a way to get it done to better himself on the football field.

“You know, work ethic is probably the biggest thing to a player.  If you don’t have a good work ethic then you’re not going to be able to make it to the next level,” said Dodson-Greene. “I feel like as a player, you should try to do as much as you can to better yourself to give yourself opportunities to go to the next level.”

The Junior transferred over to West Salem entering this year from Sprague, going from one tough program under Jay Minyard to another tough program with Shawn Stanley.  Knowing the standards are high with the Titans, it creates more a drive for Dodson-Greene to make his worth.

“It’s definitely a big one, he breeds champions there.  It just comes down to ‘if you don’t want to win, you can’t be apart of the team’.  We’re a good steady group of guys who want to play together and win games,” said Dodson-Greene.

Dodson-Greene as been working with those West Salem guys in the Oregon 7’s 7-on-7 tournaments, the Titans weren’t at Sunday’s tournament this past weekend, but it didn’t stop Dodson-Green from working on his craft and better himself for hopefully a season this Spring.

“Everyone can improve on everything,” said Dodson-Greene.  “I have a lot of things to improve on, even stuff that I’m good at.  You can always can get better at it.  Just keep on getting down those fine details is something that I do and just be ready whenever the chance comes.”