Millville's Scott leads on field and off

Clayton Scott took a pitch, turned the corner, and raced into the end zone in a scrimmage against Salem on Thursday afternoon.

A few minutes later, Scott knifed into the backfield to tackle a Washington Township runner for a loss during another session of the four-way event at Winslow Township.

Offense, defense, special teams — Scott finds a way to make an impact for the defending Group 5 champion Millville football team.

But that's not the half of it, according to Thunderbolts coach Dennis Thomas.

"He's probably the best leader I've ever coached," Thomas said. "You're not going to find a better leader than Clayton Scott. He injects so much energy and passion into everything we do."

The 5-foot-9, 185-pound Scott helped Millville to just the program's second sectional title in 41 seasons in 2016. He ran for 1,722 yards and scored 19 touchdowns and was the vocal leader of the defense that paved the way in the state tournament.

"I feel like another coach on defense," Scott said.  "I make sure everybody is in the right position, everybody knows the call, everybody is on the same page."

Thomas said Scott is the leader of the team's powerful defense.

"He runs it," Thomas said. "He knows everything that everybody is supposed to be doing out there. He knows communication is the key. He makes sure every kid out there knows what they are supposed to be doing on every play."

Scott said he has 11 scholarship offers, including one from Rutgers. Most teams project him as a running back, according to Thomas.

"We went out to Pitt and they loved him," Thomas said. "He ran 4.51 [seconds in the 40-yard dash] and he tweaked his hamstring doing it, so he could have run even faster."

Scott's versatility is probably his best asset. In addition to rushing for more than 1,700 yards last season, he also caught 16 passes for 259 yards and made plays in returning punts, kickoffs, and interceptions. He is a top pass defender and tackler, according to his coach.

"Everything he does, he's going to do 150 percent," Thomas said. "Every time he's out there, every play, he's going to give it all that he has."

Millville returns several key players from last season's championship team, including wide receivers Marcial Ramos and Carlton Lawrence, quarterback Tristan Harris, and two-way lineman Dylan Washington.

The Thunderbolts project as serious contenders for the West Jersey Football League's Continental Division title and for another South Jersey Group 5 crown, as well, although archrival Vineland may have a say in both matters.

Scott said it's important for the Thunderbolts to turn the page on last season.

"Last year was great; winning South Jersey gives you a lot of confidence," Scott said. "But it's a new season. We have to work even harder because teams are going to be coming after us.

"Our goal is to go 1-0 12 times."