By Kevin Eckleberry

Sports Editor

On the first offensive play of last week’s playoff game against Riverside Military Academy, Callaway’s Quantavius Leslie caught a 41-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Quan Bray.

Later in the game, Leslie came up with a diving interception that helped the Cavaliers sew up the 47-7 victory.

It’s been that kind of season for Leslie, a senior who has made an impact in every aspect of the game.

Leslie is best-known as a wide receiver, and with good reason.

The 6-foot-3 Leslie has the speed to out-run defenders, and the strength, athletic ability and good hands to catch balls in coverage.

It’s his prowess as a pass-catcher that has made Leslie a big-time recruit, with major programs across the country pitching for his services.

Leslie has been a defensive stalwart as well, though, fitting in nicely in the Cavs’ defensive backfield.

Leslie is also a special-teams standout for the Cavs as a kick returner.

Leslie rarely gets a break on game night, and that’s just the way the senior likes it.

“It doesn’t bother me,” Leslie said of playing nearly every snap. “I’ll do anything to help the team out. If they need me on offense, I go to offense. If they need me on defense, I go on defense. I’ll play anywhere they need me.”

Leslie has done it all.

Although the Cavs are primarily a running team because of the big-play ability of quarterback Quan Bray and running back Marquis Terrell, Leslie has come up with six touchdown catches this season, including last week’s 41-yard TD.

Leslie has also returned three interceptions for touchdowns.

In the return game, Leslie has a punt return and a kickoff return for a score.

In one game alone, a victory over Macon County, Leslie had a touchdown catch, an interception return for a score, and a kickoff return for a touchdown.

Leslie, head coach Pete Wiggins said, is too valuable a guy to have sitting on the bench.

“We knew we needed to get him on the field as much as possible,” Wiggins said. “He started making several interceptions. He’s physical. He’ll come up and strike you, and he knows the game. He’s a smart guy. He returns kickoffs and punts for us too.”

Whatever role Leslie is occupying, Wiggins said “he’s a play-maker.”

Leslie played a little bit on defense a year ago, primarily in obvious passing downs, but he has established himself as an every-down player this year.

It is a role Leslie relishes.

“I enjoy playing defense, playing with the other 10 guys on the other side of the ball,” Leslie said. “The coaches tell us how important defense is, so I really like it.”

One of Leslie’s favorite aspects of playing defense is that he gets to deliver the hits rather than take them.

“I enjoy getting the big hit, making the crowd go wild,” he said. “It gives us a little momentum.”

Callaway defensive coordinator Dusty Hubbard said Leslie’s value to the team is obvious since he contributes in so many different areas.

“I think right now he’s one of our most valuable players - if not the most valuable player— because of his ability to play offense, defense and return kicks,” Hubbard said.

Hubbard said when it comes to defense, there’s nothing Leslie can’t do.

“There are so many times we just put him in man and let him guard their best receiver,” Hubbard said. “He’s also done some things as far as short corner blitzes and he’s done a good job of that stuff.”

The offensive coaches are awfully glad to have Leslie as well, and he figures to play a bigger role as the playoffs go along since defenses will do whatever they can to slow what has been an unstoppable Callaway running game.

Riverside came into last week’s game with that mindset, and Leslie found himself wide open on the game’s first offensive play.

“We haven’t really opened the playbook that much, but I think in the playoffs, we’ll get ready to open it up,” Leslie said. “I’ll get more involved.”

Leslie has tried not to get side-tracked with recruiting this fall, focusing instead on helping the Cavs put together a special season.

He has shown a lot of interest in West Virginia, but he said he’s still exploring his options.

He has until signing day in February to make his decision.

“I’m still talking to other schools,” he said. “I’ve got time for that.”

When football season wraps up, and hehopes that comes four weeks from now in the state-championship game, Leslie will head to the basketball court where he’ll be the team’s top player.

Leslie was the county’s player of the year for the 2008-2009 season when he led the Cavaliers to the second round of the Class AA state tournament.

In a second-round loss to Dade County, Leslie scored 39 points.

“I’m not thinking about basketball,” Leslie said. “It’s all football right now.”