In the popular climate of pass-happy offenses and hurry-up tempos, Jefferson High’s Colby Wood is something of a throwback.

His signature “north-south” style, combined by what one coach deemed as “incredible” vision, allowed Wood to rack up 285 yards and four touchdowns on 45 carries in a convincing 27-8 region win over No. 4 Elbert County Friday night.

“I just see things through my peripheral vision,” said Wood (VIDEO). “It’s more about vision than anything.”

The result makes the third-ranked Dragons (6-0, 2-0 Region 8-AAA) the front-runner to wrap up a second straight region title, which could guarantee an easier road through the Class AAA playoffs.

According to Maxpreps, Wood currently leads the state in rushing touchdowns (18) and ranks second in the state in total rushing yards (1,246), behind senior Dakota Reese of GISA Briarwood Academy (Warrenton).

Wood and his head coach, Ben Hall, both said Monday that the running back typically has clean holes to run through, thanks to Jefferson’s experienced offensive line. Five offensive linemen are either juniors or seniors with starting experience.

Wood, who also starts on defense and special teams, rarely sees a play he doesn’t want to get in on, according to Hall.

After starting his freshman year at 155 pounds, Wood bulked up over the offseason, and can now use his strength to bowl over defenders.

“The weight program has helped him as much as anything,” said Hall. “He’s bigger and stronger, he’ll be the first to tell you that. He does what he’s supposed to do, and he does what he can when he’s called.”

Wood spent his freshman year learning under the tutelage of graduated senior Sammy Williams, who led Jefferson to an appearance in the state quarterfinals in his final year. This year, Wood is now the main offensive threat, a responsibility he says he’s taking in stride.

He’s already proven that he can produce, no matter what his class rank says.

“Everyone says I’m just a sophomore, but anyone can do it if they put their mind to it,” said Wood. “I just stay humble.”

Wood, who wants to add even more muscle by his junior year, often helps decipher defensive coverage with running backs coach Rod Dollar on the sideline. The two will often discuss where the sophomore can break through the defense, which gives coaches like Dollar an extra set of eyes on the field. As Wood matures each year as a rusher, Dollar said, he’ll become a better all-around player.

“He has incredible vision,” said Dollar. “Probably better than anybody I’ve ever seen. He doesn’t have the crazy top speed or size, but that vision, you can’t teach.”

Hall said Wood’s ability to rise to the occasion shone through in the Elbert County victory, where the sophomore had to tote the rock nearly 50 times. Through six games this season, Wood has accounted for 63 percent of Jefferson’s offensive yardage.

Jefferson hosts Morgan County on Friday at Memorial Stadium.

“Every Friday night is going to be a challenge, because teams are gunning for us,” said Wood, who said the Dragons have a target on their back from other region teams. “We feel like we might be able to do it again, but we have to take care of business.”