NATCHEZ — It wasn’t as unbelievable as last Friday’s miracle play, but Caleb Upton couldn’t believe it this time either.

The Cathedral High School quarterback that helped lead his team back from a three-touchdown deficit last Friday against Stringer High School received national recognition Thursday. Upton was selected as the ESPN High School Regional Athlete of the Week for the Southeastern region.

Upton was notified of the honor Monday morning by Green Wave head coach Ron Rushing.

“I didn’t know what it was until he told me I was picked for it,” Upton said. “I was just waiting for him to say he was kidding. No one from a 1A school (usually) gets (that award).

“I still think the touchdown pass was more unbelievable.”

Rushing said he was glad a player from his team was able to get national recognition, especially since they play in the smallest classification in MHSAA.

“It shows how talented these kids are and how hard they’ve worked,” Rushing said. “To put it together one time is special. High School football is all about memories, and that’s definitely a good memory.”

Even with the recognition, Upton admitted that he’s more worried about what lies ahead for himself and the team.

“I really don’t know how I feel about it,” Upton said. “The main thing is that I’m just trying to stay focused on (today).”

Upton also said it helps having a good offensive line and a number of athletes he can spread the ball around to.

“We have four to five guys that we can get it to every play that can score,” Upton said. “The line does a good job allowing me to get time, and Coach Ron does a good job calling the plays and spreading it around.”

The Green Wave also function as sort of a family unit, Upton said, which makes it even more important for everyone to work together.

“We all know how to run the right routes and get the ball in space,” Upton said.

“(Being a family) plays a big part in what we do. If we mess up, we leave one of our family members out to dry. That motivates us to do it not just for ourselves, but for our teammates, our family.”

Although being undefeated so far this year is exciting, Upton said he and the rest of the players are completely focused on their game at Salem tonight.

“It’s a good feeling, but then again, the coaches have helped to keep us in check, and we keep ourselves in check,” Upton said. “We’re not focused on the record, but (tonight).”

And the big win last week has helped with momentum, but it’s not the Green Wave’s only driving factor, Upton said.

“We don’t want to get too caught up over it and forget about what we’re supposed to be doing now,” Upton said.