By Payton Moody
A young football star is making a name for himself. Kenny Golston, a sophomore and powerhouse at Valliant High School, has been tearing up the field with his exceptional skills.
When asked about his favorite coach, Golston mentioned Coach Coop. “He has taught me the game, but he’s not just any regular coach,” Golston said. “He has taught me how to grow as a man.”
Teammates often become lifelong friends, and Golston’s admiration for Jay Frost, a cousin and teammate, is evident. “I got one year with him,” Golston recalls fondly. “He coached me up to be a better player. Every time I got in my head, he was there for me.”
In every student’s journey, there’s that one teacher who makes an impact. For Golston, that teacher is Mrs. Keeling. “She helped me a lot when I was struggling,” Golston said. “She is one of those teachers that really want you to succeed in life.”
Golston has dedicated himself to rigorous off-season training. “I trained a lot during the summer with Coach Coop,” Golston explains. “He helped me learn how to work my feet, move my body and keep my feet under me when I’m running.”
Football is more than a game; it’s a teacher of life’s valuable lessons. “It taught me that I still have a lot of stuff to work on, a lot to improve to succeed,” Golston reflects.
Amid the rigorous training and competitive games, there are moments of camaraderie that Golston cherishes. “Every Thursday, my team and I go eat together,” he shares. “We have a tight bond; we are family, and we always will be.”
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Golston has both personal and team goals. “I would like to rush for over 1,000 yards for myself,” he said. “For my team, I want us to go to the playoffs this year. We haven’t been to the playoffs since 2011.”
Beyond high school, Golston envisions a future in college football. His dedication and passion for the game are evident, and as he continues to shine on the field, the future holds great promise for this talented athlete.
