Athlete of the Week: Isaiah Bickham leads Wildcats comeback against Antelope

The Whitney Wildcats came back from 21-0 down against Antelope midway through the second quarter on Friday night to score 28 unanswered points en route to a 35-28 win, avenging their playoff loss against the Titans last season. The winning touchdown came from a 72-yard pass by Whitney High quarterback Trevor Hargis to Lincoln Fifer with six minutes remaining. The Wildcats wouldn't have even been in that scenario however, if it weren't for senior running back Isaiah Bickham who totaled 106 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries. Bickham transferred from Sheldon High prior to the start of this season and is expected to be a key player for the Wildcats all season. His coach, Zac McNally, shared some words on what makes Bickham a special talent for the team. "Isaiah brings a mature perspective and positive energy into our locker room," McNally said. "He is willing to do whatever the team needs of him. He has told me multiple times that he can play defensive line if needed. That attitude paired with his natural ability is what makes him excel on and off the field." Gold Country Media asked Bickham some questions and his answers follow. What is the best part about playing football at Whitney High School? Bickham: "I would have to say it has to be the entire football culture. The coaching, my teammates and the school support. Everyone has embraced me being a new student and it feels great being a part of what could be a special season. I am glad to be at Whitney because it is in the Sierra Foothill League, the best league in Northern California. If you want to be known among the best, you have to compete against the best." How long have you been playing football competitively and who is your biggest motivation? Bickham: "I started playing competitively at 6 years old for the Inderkum junior program as a tiny mite. My family has sacrificed so much for me and has unwavered in their support. It has cost my family a great deal, including financially with camps, traveling, sports equipment, etc. I have to say making my family proud of my efforts is my biggest motivation." Have you always been a running back or did you originally play other positions? Bickham: "I've always been a running back. I love playing that position. I feel it is a great fit for me, but recently when I was a sophomore, I began playing slot receiver when my team goes into a spread offense. I find myself enjoying both positions equally." You ran for two touchdowns in the season opener at Antelope that helped Whitney get back into the game. What contributed to your great performance and how exciting was it to get the first win of the season out of the way? Bickham: "The win was huge and a great team victory, especially when they eliminated us from the playoffs the previous year. They are a good team and it took all we had and the win was an enormous morale booster. I feel the coaches had us prepared and when the offensive line blocked the way they did, all I had to do was run through the hole. I wanted very badly to show what I could do as a new addition to Whitney and I was very excited to have such a huge contribution in a big win." Do you have a favorite professional athlete? If so, who and why? Bickham: "It has to be Christian McCaffrey because one, I'm a Panthers fan and two, he is a running back who is a little undersized like me but he has the heart of a lion. I believe people may overlook me because of my size but I have a lot to contribute to this team." Have you ever been involved in other sports? Bickham: "I played baseball since I was 4 years old but gave it up as a spring sport a couple of years ago to run track." What are your biggest strengths as a running back? Bickham: "I believe it's my speed, agility and I'm stronger than people think and when I get a feel for the game, I get stronger as it progresses." What is your favorite class/subject in high school and why? Bickham: "Science is my favorite subject." Who is your favorite musical artist/band? Bickham: "Michael Jackson." Favorite restaurant and favorite food? Bickham: "The Cheesecake Factory and chicken alfredo." Outside of school and playing football, what do you like to do in your free time? Bickham: "Hang out with my friends and watch sports with my dad." Is there a particular job you'd like to have someday? Bickham: "My dad is a retired peace officer so some of his stories influenced my career choice. I want to major in and pursue a career in forensic science." If you had a piece of advice for other local athletes, what would you tell them? Bickham: "My dad has expressed to me more times than I can count, always keep things in perspective and that hard work is the key to success."