Evangel’s Damari “DaDa” Drake tells what makes him tick
Evangel’s Damari “DaDa” Drake tells what drives him to success on the football field
Some way, somehow, Evangel All-Everything football athlete Damari “Da Da” Drake bounced around the Lee Hedges Stadium turf after the final buzzer Thursday night like he was ready to go a few more rounds with Captain Shreve in the LHSAA Non-Select Division I playoff contest.
The junior linebacker/running back/kick returner emboldened with boundless energy was the key cog in the Eagles’ 58-48 victory over the Gators, getting payback for a 77-76 loss to Shreve during the regular season. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Drake never left the field and had enough energy in the closing moments to make the defensive play of the game in a contest devoid of great defensive plays.
Trailing by three points with just over three minutes remaining in the contest, Shreve got the ball back with a chance to win and advance. But Drake stepped in front of a Gator receiver near midfield and delivered a death-blow down the sideline with a dramatic pick-6.
He said there was a good reason for his stamina.
“The mentality to keep me on this field was growing up with a single mother in a two-bedroom home sleeping on the floor and letting me and my brother have the rooms,” Drake said. “That just makes you want to get up and drive every day like there is no tomorrow.”
Drake said he felt amazing about making the play that allowed his Eagles (6-5) to move into the second round of the playoffs by eliminating the Gators (6-5) on their home turf.
“I’m not the type guy to brag about it,” he said. “I’m keeping it humble. Keeping it low key like I’ve been here before, because I know I’ve got things ahead of me next week.”
As a running back, Drake pounded the Gator defense, depleted by a plethora of injuries heading into the contest, scoring on a couple of short runs. Evangel coach Denny Duron was elated about Drake securing the win with his interception.
“It was wonderful. I think it was the most fitting way for this to end,” Duron said. “Da Da Drake — his middle name is ‘Big Play.’ That’s what he does. I can’t say enough about that young man.”
The Eagles won despite losing three fumbles in the first quarter, giving Shreve the opportunity to go in front 28-14 in the frame. But behind the play of superstar quarterback Peyton “Pop” Houston, the Eagles maintained their composure and kept fighting back. Houston passed for 384 yards and four TDs against a 417-yard night with two TDs for Shreve quarterback Brodie Savage.
“We just had too many injuries and made too many mistakes at this level,” Shreve coach Jeremy Wilburn said. “You can’t miss an onside kick right to you and snap the ball over somebody’s head for a safety in game like this with those injuries.”
The Eagles advance to play undefeated and No. 2 seeded Alexandria (10-0), which had a first-round bye, on the road next week.
Jimmy Watson covers Louisiana sports for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.
