Although the football season concluded with another 1-9 record, there’s opportunity for individual success. On the gridiron, senior Aidan Giles did so by excelling as both running back and linebacker this fall.
On November 8, Giles became the first varsity football player since 2019 to record over 600 all purpose yards. He is the first Tiger to do so since Elizabeth State University half-back Rashard Biggs, a 2020 JR alum, who recorded over 1,700 yards five years ago.
“I would just put credit toward playing varsity football for three years,” said Giles, speaking of his formality to the competition. “I’ve gotten the experience of the game and have been able to adjust to the speed of it.”
Playing both offense and defense, the senior recorded 466 yards rushing, 162 receiving, seven total touchdowns, four interceptions, and 26 tackles. He led the team in rushing, total touchdowns, and defensive turnovers.
“Knowing it was my senior year I came into the season having the mentality of being ‘that guy,’” said Giles, referencing being depended on through availability and production. “Knowing the team would depend on me and count on big plays is what I thought of.”
Giles had over 100 carries in the backfield at running back for the Tigers. He accounted for 35% of the team’s offensive plays.
“[Giles’] season has been remarkable, excelling on offense, defense, and special teams. With those stats, he’s demonstrated versatility and resilience across the field,” said head varsity football coach and math teacher Jason Strickland.
“He has consistently delivered in all phases of the game, making him an invaluable asset to our team. His work ethic and ability to impact every facet of the game set a high standard,” Strickland added. “He truly embodied what it means to be a complete and committed player this season.”
That commitment started as an incoming freshman during the COVID-19 pandemic during workouts.
“I was doing workouts over at RFK field working out kids from other schools. A lot of them were Wilson kids at the time, trying to keep them active and close to football once we got the chance to play again,” said former JR varsity football head coach, current Restorative Practice coordinator/12th Grade Dean, and Giles’s football mentor Minoso Rodgers. “[Giles] was one of the first eighth graders I met that was a Wilson incoming freshman. His first workout, he really showed his attention to detail, he would do mental reps on the side when it wasn’t his turn. He’s coachable, he’s trying his best and gives it his all.”
In a game this fall against St. Albans, Giles ran for 110 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries. Later on in the season, he had a four game interception streak.
Rodgers noted that going the extra mile of joining the track team last off-season is what has allowed himself improvement.
“You got to see it on the field this year. You saw him stand out, big runs he made in the beginning of the season and big defensive plays he made in the end of the year,” Rodgers said. “He was always on the field but never complained. At the college level he has the ability to be an excellent player. He’s one of those kids who is like whatever his potential or ability can take him, he’s not going to get in his own way.”
Giles, like the rest of his fellow senior teammates, will now continue the phase of college recruitment.
“Hopefully after gathering my film and sending it out to coaches` I can find a situation where I feel comfortable going and spend my next years.” •
