It seems during every post-season run, a player steps up to make a big time catch or a big time tackle.

Sam Carroll is that player for the Pike Liberal Arts School Patriots this post season.

The junior tight end has been a big part of the Patriots’ offense during the first two rounds of the playoffs.

In those games, the 6-foot-4, 205-pound Carroll had eight receptions for 102 yards and a touchdown.

In the team’s game against Marengo, the junior had six catches for 61 yards, and did it without his full vision.

Carroll had lost one of his contacts, but played on.

“That’s the kind of player he is,” PLAS head coach Steven Kilcrease said. “He gives it his all.”

“He is such a huge target for Trey [Walters], whenever the ball is in his area, he comes down with it,” the coach said.

Even though he gives it his all, he still gets nervous.

“I got the big game butterflies,” Carroll said about today’s AISA state championship game.

“It’s going to be a hard hitting game – I’m just ready to be out there on that field.”

Despite being a part of last season’s title winning team, Carroll said he is enjoying this season’s run much more.

“I didn’t really know to expect last year.

“This season, I have been enjoying each [playoff] week more. It has been the best part of the year for me,” he added.