This time of the season really defines a player. It allows him, and those around him, to discover exactly what he is made of. It is the time when acclaimed athletes often cave and relative unknowns become driving forces.

While it was certainly no less impressive, DaMarcus James’ 227 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries came as no surprise to most Demopolis fans. He underscored his mettle in the playoffs last season by rushing for 1,250 yards. His legacy became cemented in the state title run.

Last Friday night in the first round against Fairfield, another Demopolis Tiger began to etch his name into DHS postseason lore.

Deonte Washington’s talent has never been in question. The Tigers have long valued him as a contributor to their defense.

But Friday against Fairfield, he took his game to an entirely different level with what most — including Washingston himself — consider the best performance of his career.

The linebacker established himself early by putting pressure on the quarterback. He found himself continually in the backfield and constantly in the personal space of Fairfield signal-callers. Even with just missing two sacks, Washington finished the night with four sacks.

That was part of a 10 tackle performance that also saw him force a fumble and intercept a pass while earning finalist for the ASWA’s statewide Defensive Player of the Week honor.

And if Washington can continue the physical, sideline-to-sideline play this week against Hueytown, the Tigers may just keep marching toward Auburn.