McDONOUGH — Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy has made it a habit of featuring talented running backs each and every season.

The 2018 campaign is no different, as junior Keaton Mitchell has emerged as the next top rusher for the Chargers. Mitchell is on pace for monster numbers. His 82 carries this season have yielded 731 total yards and 14 touchdowns and an impressive 8.91 yard per carry average.

It’s Mitchell’s first season as the featured back for ELCA. He rushed for 20 touchdowns last season, but was used primarily as a change of pace from Josh Mays. An increased role is something Mitchell has tackled with optimism.

“Having faith in my offense is what has caused us to mesh well and trusting my lineman mostly that they will do their job and hoping that they will give me an opportunity to do what I have to do to get us the win,” Mitchell said.

Last week against Trinity Christian, Mitchell rushed 11 times for 212 yards and four touchdowns. It was the second straight week that he eclipsed 200 yards, as he did so against Holy Innocents’ the week prior.

Mitchell said his success is due to a strong relationship between he and his offensive line.

“I’m just making sure my linemen know what they are doing,” Mitchell said. “I hope that they can give me a hole I can hit and make something big happen. I let them set the blocks for me to score. I also feel that my vision is improving and I’m more physical.”

It hasn’t been all smooth sailing for Mitchell. He rushed for just 55 yards in a Week 2 loss to Pace Academy, ELCA’s first loss in three seasons. Still, Mitchell said the Pace game was a turning point for him and the rest of the offense.

“Ever since that game I make sure I know what the defense is doing,” Mitchell said. “More like if they are keying on me or not so we can adjust at the half.”

Mitchell has also enjoyed his time playing with his brother Kobi, a talented defensive back. Mitchell said that his brother is a leader on the defensive side of the ball.

“(Kobi) has been a leader on the defensive side of the ball,” Mitchell said. “Not only on the defensive side but he has been a leader for the team and making sure everybody isn’t slacking at practice.”

Mitchell will look to continue his strong season this week on the road against Wesleyan in Region 5 A-Private play.