DENMARK -- It’s called doing your homework.

Only, this homework wasn’t assigned by a school teacher. We are talking gridiron homework -- taking in, processing and then executing what it takes to get better. Denmark-Olar wide receiver Treaver Workman has done his homework.

He watched Elite 11, first team All-Area selection and budding Howard star wide receiver Willie Carter go off for 70 catches a season ago, he hit the weight room and he stayed on the field. Bigger. Faster. Stronger. Three words that Treaver Workman kept reciting over the summer.

It has paid off. Carter was an All-Star snub a season ago, but Workman isn’t. A year removed from understudy status, he is a North-South All-Star after hauling in 49 passes for 756 yards and seven touchdowns. His attention to the little things was also noticed. It’s why, after Walt Wilson’s Calhoun County team finished Denmark-Olar off in a game earlier this season, the Saints’ head coach went home and told his wife he had to get Workman on the North-South All-Star team.

“I really like Workman,” Wilson said. “He showed me the night we played them. He showed me.”

Denmark-Olar head coach Andrae Rice said he saw the potential in Workman a season ago. The emergence of that potential this year has helped a struggling Vikings’ team open up the offense.

“Oh man, when we don’t have anywhere else to go we go to him,” Rice said. “He’s a go-to guy. The thing I like about him, and the thing I am most proud of, is that people know about him and they game plan to take things away from him, and he still comes up with it.”

“I wanted to come back this year and prove myself,” Workman said. “Willie Carter is some big shoes to fill, I’m telling you. But, I thank my whole team, my coaching staff and everyone for helping me. It’s just been a blessing.”

Tonight, at 7:30 in Denmark, Denmark-Olar will be looking for a blessing of its own. Defeat Bamberg-Ehrhardt and the Vikings are in the playoffs. Lose and they’re out. High stakes for sure, but the good news for Vikings’ fans is Workman said he is ready.

“It would mean a lot (to make the playoffs),” he said. “We have had some tough times, but I just want to get the team in the playoffs ... and go deep in the playoffs. But, (Friday) night is what I have to take care of and what the team has to take care of first.

“We plan to have a good game.”

n T&D Sports Editor Brian Linder can be reached via e-mail blinder@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5553. Check out his blog, Welcome to Linderland, at www.thetandd.com.

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