Sports Illustrated HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

Presented by THE U.S. MARINE CORPS

Josh Derrough, a senior running back at W.H. Adamson High in Dallas, led the Leopards in rushing this season with 5.9 yards per carry, but his leadership off the field makes him SI's Athlete of the Month. A 3.0 student in his first year on the varsity squad, Josh also joined his team's year-old Twitter campaign to gather and post pledges against domestic violence—a cause they adopted long before it became a hot-button issue in the NFL this fall. But in a horrible twist, domestic violence struck tragically close to home for Josh nearly two months ago. On the morning of Sept. 25 his father shot his own girlfriend (she survived) before turning the gun on himself. Josh has since become a passionate voice for his team's ongoing campaign and is sharing his story in the hopes that he can help others break the cycle of abuse. "I feel like putting myself out there can help people," he says. For more on Josh—including an extended video—and to nominate your own candidate, visit SI.com/HSathlete

PHOTO

ROGER PRUNEDA (DERROUGH)