James Kenan’s David “Cito” Zeleya celebrates after a 28-25 win over Kinston. Picked fifth in the preseason, the Tigers are the lone unbeaten East Central 2A team at 3-0. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
WARSAW — Helmet in hand and sweat covering his face, Ty Morrisey offered sage advice to his James Kenan teammates as the fourth quarter began Friday evening.
“100 percent, no plays off,” he shouted.
Morrisey’s encouragement didn’t fall on deaf ears.
Locked in a pivotal East Central 2A football battle with Kinston, the Tigers trusted and relied on each other during a tension-filled final 12 minutes of play.
That camaraderie fostered a confidence which allowed Kenan to remain unbeaten in seven outings this season, which hasn’t happened since 2013.
More importantly, the Tigers are 3-0 in East Central 2A play.
Not a bad start, considering the coaches tabbed James Kenan to finish fifth in the preseason poll.
“You gotta love it,” Tigers head coach Tim Grady said. “Us as a staff and our players, all we’ve got to do is just go out there and show that we believe in what we’re doing. It’s great to come into things as an underdog and overlooked.”
Grady’s team has embraced unity.
Since July 31, they’ve worked toward a common purpose and cultivated a winning mindset together. They’ve avoided the adversity that led to a disappointing 2023 campaign.
Unlike a year ago, they’re not hesitant to express their thoughts — opinions are valued among teammates and the coaching staff.
“People have asked me all summer ‘how are y’all going to be this year?’,” Grady said. “And I said, ‘I don’t know. I think there’s a lot of potential in this team, but I don’t know how this thing is going to shake out.’
“They have continued to do everything we’ve asked them to do. It’s just so surreal, honestly.”
Kenan hung its hat on defense early in the season.
Stellar play from Hassan Kornegay (85 tackles), Clinton transfer Morrisey (59), Josh Wilson (53), David Zeleya (43) and their teammates spearheaded the Tigers.
The defensive unit — through seven outings — has recorded 21 turnovers and 11.5 sacks. Kornegay and Morrisey have 2.5 sacks apiece. Zeleya has picked off a team-leading six passes.
“We’re just so close on and off the field,” Cal Avent said after the 28-25 nail-biter over Kinston last Friday. “That’s nice to play with … nobody’s arguing, no cancers on the team. Everybody is ‘all for one’ right now.”
The defense allowed the offense to find its footing.
Quarterback Eli Avent ranks No. 2 among ECC quarterbacks in total offensive yardage (941). Backfield mates Imir Sanders (383 yards), Jeremiah Hall (246) and Wilson (229) rank the among the league’s top-10 ball carriers.
Kenan averages 190 yards rushing and 106 passing per game.
“The unity that these kids have … believe in each other, believe in the system and they keep grinding,” Grady said. “They just reunite and play the next play, which is just fantastic.”
You may reach sports writer Rudy Coggins at prepswriter2@gmail.com or call/text 919-709-9257.
