Valley Stream North football player Jerry Thomas is Newsday's Athlete of the Week
Valley Stream North wide receiver Jerry Thomas during a game against East Rockaway/West Hempstead on Sept. 10, 2026. Credit: Alex Grant
Jerry Thomas is a wide receiver for the Valley Stream North football team and is used to catching passes in the end zone. But against Carle Place, coach Mike Paolillo decided to showcase the wideout's versatility.
"We plan on using him in multiple ways," Paolillo said. "We're trying to find different ways that people aren't expecting. He is so fast and talented."
That was on full display last Friday evening.
Thomas rushed for 191 yards and two touchdowns on five carries, including the go-ahead 46-yard score with 7:05 left in the fourth quarter, to lead Valley Stream North to a 41-27 win over Carle Place in Nassau IV. For his efforts, the senior is Newsday's Athlete of the Week.
"Every time I was on the outside, even if there was a guy there, I used my speed to get by everyone," Thomas said. "I was proud of myself because I know what I'm capable of."
Thomas stands at 6-2 and uses his speed and athleticism to slip by defenders and evade tackles. Paolillo says Thomas's physical traits make him a special talent.
"The way he plays is very exciting," Paolillo said. "As a coach, it's fulfilling to see him succeed."
Last season, Thomas only played defense. This season, he has been productive on offense for the Spartans, scoring five touchdowns four weeks into the season.
"He never takes a play off," Paolillo said. "He's got a motor. He's not going to slow down. He's always going at full speed."
Originally, Thomas started playing football in eighth grade to be with his friends, but over time, his passion for the sport grew, and he wants to play at the next level.
"I have really worked on my offensive game," Thomas said. "I like offense more because I feel like I can use my speed and my athleticism a lot more on offense."
Thomas, a multisport athlete, also plays basketball in the winter and runs track in the spring. His athleticism is on full display, no matter if he's dunking a basketball or running in the 100 meters.
"All the sports I play help me athletically," Thomas said. "They help me get faster and become more explosive."
In addition to his performances, Thomas is part of Athletes Helping Athletes, where students mentor younger kids and teach them life lessons.
"It's great knowing I get to inspire young kids," Thomas said. "I want to do right by the community and help out the kids."
The Spartans have gotten off to a great start. They are currently 3-1, and Thomas believes that if they continue to play well, they can reach their goal and play at Hofstra.
"We came short of the playoffs last year," Thomas said. "We've been trying to get our name out there and put our name on the map. I feel like this year we can really go far."
Jonathan Ruban covers high school sports for Newsday after graduating from St. John’s.
