After four antagonizing years of being kept from his dream, Kyle Rhodes, 17, has started a new season in his football career.
In his first game after the long layoff, Rhodes kicked the winning extra point in a 25-24 Southmoreland win over Charleroi.
“I was worried I wouldn’t make it,” Rhodes said, explaining that had be missed, “The blame would have been on me. I’m glad I made it.”
Four years ago, Rhodes had injured his elbow and his finger playing the sport and was rendered unable to play in the eighth grade, during the first scrimmage of the year. After he recovered from those injuries, he began to play soccer for the high school for two years.
“I love watching him play, but it’s a horrible thing knowing he can get hurt in any sport. You just have to hope and pray nothing happens,” said mother Traci Rhodes.
“I’m really excited he’s back,” said father Jeff Rhodes “He seems to have a better attitude towards it and he seems happy now.”
Rhodes learned he was finally able to play his dream sport once again after all that time and immediately took the opportunity to fill a position on the team.
“I missed playing football after not playing for so many years; my grandpa had always wanted me to play.”
“I think he (Rhodes’ grandfather) had a tear in his eye when he found out Kyle would be playing football again. He had the same number (33) of Kyle back in the day when he played football,” said Mrs. Rhodes.
Teammate Jordan Pawlikowsky, 18, says “At that point, I was thinking about doing my job and doing it correct. I had total confidence in Kyle.”
“I think Kyle also had confidence in himself to make the kick”, said Pawlikowsky.
Rhodes didn’t make the other kicks that night; the first kick was blocked, and the second kick was a miss, so he was nervous when the time came for the final kick of the game to occur.
“I was afraid I wouldn’t make the kick, but knowing that I did is fantastic,” said Rhodes.
Rhodes felt the pressure was on considering both his parents, sister, and grandparents were attending the game, as well as his girlfriend.
“I believe Kyle could make it. He’s always cool and calm, he shows it. I remember he picked up his things after the kick and walked off the field, meanwhile everyone is running up and congratulating him,” said Mr. Rhodes
“It felt like it should, despite the turnovers and flags throughout the game, it was vindicating,” said Pawlikowsky
Rhodes has every intention to play again next year.