Last season Drew Schneider bided his time as a reserve back and receiver getting a handful of carries or a pass his way now and then. He wasn't upset about it. He faced the reality juniors often do when a senior with commensurate ability competes for playing time.

"Everybody wants their turn," Schneider said. "Sometimes you have to wait. The player in front of me last year was better than me. Our team is not a one-man show. You do what you're called to do to help as a team."

Schneider has done his share of helping. The 5-foot-9, 160-pound senior didn't take opponents by storm the first couple weeks this season. His carries and yardage (24 rushes, 139 yards) were similar to his 2013 totals (23-191).  Over the last 10 games  however,  it's been an entirely different story. Schneider has rushed for 1,228 yards in that span (1,367 yards overall) and scored all 23 of his touchdowns.

What Schneider brings most is the big play -- double-digit yardage TDs. He tallied three last week in Snowflake's 33-20 victory over previously unbeaten Seton. In eight of those last 10 games he's eclipsed the 100-yard mark. He may have a couple short runs and not look like a game-breaker. The next thing you know he's outrunning the defense to paydirt.

Snowflake coach Ron Tenney breaks into a broad smile as Schneider's name is brought up. There are many reasons.

"He had several nice runs last week," Tenney said. "I think it was our game with Winslow (fourth game)  when all of a sudden he started clicking. The speed was always there. This year his vision has developed. He sees the holes and creases better. With his speed he gets some long runs for us."

Schneider is a change-of-pace back in wha't primarily is a two-back attack for the Lobos until deep in the red zone. Senior Trevor McCray, Snowflake's second leading rusher last season and leader in the category this year with 1,479 yards, is a dfferent runner. McCray does the dirty work. Tough inside running. The three, four or five yards at a pop. And while long, methodical scoring marches are ideal, it doesn"t  hurt to have someone with quick-strike ability.

"Boys like (Drew) live in the shadows," Tenney said. "They pay their dues watching. Drew is a good testament to being patient and not getting discouraged."

Schneider hopes to provide more of the same of his brand of running in his final varsity game Saturday night in the Division IV final against River Valley at 6 p.m. at North Canyon High School. He's established himself with a chance at a memorable finale.

"When summer hit this year, I knew I was the first guy in line," Schneider said. "I had to make sure I was ready to show what I couldl do."

That he has.