Objectively, which situation do you think is better for Silas and Kevin in terms of each student-athlete’s short and long-term future, both athletically and lifewise? They say Silas has great vision. I would say that they both do.

11/7/2008

Juniors Kevin Pierre-Louis and Silas Redd have recently been nominated as Football Player of the Year in Connecticut by the Gatorade Player of the Year Program.

Gatorade State Players of the Year are selected on the basis of outstanding athletic excellence accompanied by high standards of academic achievement and exemplary personal character demonstrated on and off the field. The selection process is administered by ESPN RISE Magazine, the nation’s leading sports and lifestyle magazine for teens.

Both Kevin and Silas have led the Vikings football team this year to unprecedented heights, including a perfect regular season record thus far of 8-0. Through the first seven games of the season, Kevin had 95 rushes for 948 yards (9.98 yards per carry average), as well as 7 catches for 78 yards (11.14 yards per catch average). Defensively, Kevin posted 76 solo tackles in total through the season’s first 7 games, as well as 59 assisted tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 3 hurries, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 hit caused fumble, and 1 blocked extra point.

According to Head Coach Danny Gouin, Kevin is one of the most extraordinary athletes whom he has ever coached.

“There is nothing Kevin can’t do on the football field, from running the ball, to catching it, to kicking or snapping the ball, to blocking for a teammate when they run the ball,” Coach Gouin said. “On defense, Kevin is a tackling machine. Very rarely is there a play on defense that he is not in on or does not have a direct impact on the outcome of the play. He may be the best all-around player in New England.”

Also a backbone of King’s football team, Silas proved himself last year as one of the very best football players the School has ever seen. Just a sophomore at the time, Silas made School history by breaking the 1,000-yard rushing mark.

This season, through the team’s first 7 games, Silas has recorded 95 carries for 931 yards (9.50 yards per carry average). Defensively, Silas has made 10 solo tackles, 6 assisted tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 interception, and 1 fumble recovery.

Coach Gouin has nothing but praise for Silas, saying, “Silas is the best running back in New England. He has played most of this season with a high ankle sprain and still managed to average 9.50 yards per carry running on basically one leg. When he carries the ball, he is a threat to score every time. He does things with the ball in his hands that leave me in awe of his talent and determination to be the best he can be. As a defender, he is among the best secondary players I have ever coached or seen at the high school level.”

Tom Decker, Director of Athletics, praised both Kevin and Silas for being the consummate King student-athlete.

“These two young men are not only truly amazing athletes, but great kids as well,” Mr. Decker said. “They are respectful towards their peers, coaches, and teachers. Their work ethic has been a catalyst for the others not only on their team, but on other teams as well. Both Silas and Kevin are class acts.”

The Connecticut Football Player of the Year will be announced during the first week of December.

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