When Sand Creek head coach Eric Mitchell saw Ethan Mangrum play football in the eighth grade, he knew Mangrum was different.

Now a junior at Sand Creek, Mangrum has proven that to be true.

In three games this year, this week’s Gazette Preps Peak Performer has 509 rushing yards on 59 carries (8.5 yards per carry) and eight rushing touchdowns. The yardage total is first in Class 4A by more than 200 yards and No. 1 overall in the state.

The running back also leads the state in total touchdowns with nine (eight rushing, one reception), and has 11 consecutive games of 100 or more yards rushing dating back to his sophomore season.

“He works so hard,” Mitchell, in his second year at Sand Creek, said. “He is one of those guys in the offseason that is the first one in and the last one to leave. Works hard on the field and in the classroom. He really deserves all this. Especially being so young, I rarely see kids like him who work hard every day like he does. Hard work and dedication. He’s just a special kid.”

But if asked about his stats and season so far, a humble Mangrum would express gratitude toward his coaches and offensive linemen, who he says are much improved this year.

It’s an example of the team’s “we before me” mentality that has resulted in the team’s first 3-0 season since 2012. Besides the players, Mitchell emphasizes the impact of his 11 assistant coaches.

“It’s a collective unit up front,” Mitchell said of the team’s offense. “We’ve put in so much work with these guys and it’s paying off for Ethan and the whole team. Ethan’s success is because he’s put in so much hard work and we have these linemen dominating every week.”

Mangrum’s season is the culmination of a lifelong dedication to the sport, starting at 2 years old. His dad, Chris Mangrum, started coaching him at that age and still does as the Scorpions’ offensive coordinator.

“That’s how I fell in love with football, was him coaching me and watching it on TV,” Mangrum said. “It’s pretty amazing to have him here.”

Mangrum says his favorite part is scoring touchdowns, something he does well with 30 career touchdowns and plenty more games to go.

As a captain, Mangrum helps instill the team’s mentality of “be phenomenal or be forgotten,” a message to show effort every day on and off the field.

“He continues to uplift his team and the offense in general,” Mitchell said. “You would never know he’s the No. 1 back when he walks into a room because he just goes about his work and that just speaks to his character.”

While Mitchell can recall several highlights of Mangrum, his top one is him getting recognized as the Gazette’s Peak Performer.

“As long as he stays healthy and hungry and motivated he will reach milestones a lot of kids don’t ever get to because of his attitude and character,” Mitchell said. “He is such a coachable kid and on the right track to continue education after high school, which is the most important thing for us.”

Despite rain pouring down Tuesday afternoon, Mangrum continued to lead the team through drills on the practice field, the epitome of what Mitchell saw in him in the eighth grade.

“The cream rises to the top and he is truly a pillar of what Sand Creek has right now,” Mitchell said. “He is a true football player. I am so proud of him and all his accomplishments. This is just the beginning.”