Junior Kendre Conner admits his film preparation for the Columbus High School football team’s game against New Hope last week might have been the best of his career.
On Aug. 28, Conner suffered a concussion in the first quarter against Noxubee County and had to leave the game, which the Tigers won 25-8. Last week, Conner’s return to the lineup was slow and his return to the practice field limited.
However, when the lights were turned on, Conner regained his usual form, rushing 21 times for 227 yards and two touchdowns in a 27-6 victory.
For his efforts, Conner has been named The Dispatch’s Prep Player of the Week.
“It may have been the longest week of my life,” Conner said. “They told me that I most likely would be able to play; however, I couldn’t really practice, so that meant I had to find a way to stay in game shape. I had to find a way to be ready without being in practice with the guys.
“You really didn’t want the risk of hurting yourself, so this really proved a challenge.”
Columbus (2-1) will travel to West Point in the final of four non-region games Friday night. Columbus second-year coach Randal Montgomery knew when the season strong play from the offensive line and good production from Conner and classmate Kylin Hill would be key to his team’s success.
“We are at our best with two great running backs ready to carry the load,” Montgomery said. “It was good to see Kendre get back out there ready to contribute. He has emerged as one of our team leaders. You could tell there was something missing when he went out last week. He deserves a lot of credit for being ready to go after a difficult week.”
Columbus had 559 yards of offense, including 396 rushing. Conner had his second 100-yard rushing game of the season, while Hill (13 carries, 100 yards) also reached that mark for the second time this season.
“I feel like we have two of the best running backs in not only the state but the nation,” Columbus junior quarterback C.J. Gholar said. “Kendre and Kylin both have different running styles. That makes this difficult to contend. They both run so hard and are hard to bring down.”
The tenacity is something Conner has worked on. It also has rubbed off on Hill.
“The last couple of years, I have spent a lot of time working my legs, trying to become more of a power back,” Conner said. “It has been a challenge, but I think the hard work in the weight room has paid off. This team is really dedicated this year. We want to have a special season.”
Another key to Columbus’ success could be the passing game. Montgomery knows the Falcons will need more balance to win in Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 6A, Region 1 play.
“We are making more plays in the passing game each week,” Montgomery said. “If we want to make the playoffs, we will have to able to throw the ball consistently. The good news is the chemistry is there and we have some great players.”
Conner said the fact that he, Hill, and Gholar have played together for several years is a big reason why Columbus has been able to have success on offense.
“With Kylin and me in the backfield, we can be a dangerous team,” Conner said. “I owe it to the offensive line because we wouldn’t be anything without them. The juniors on this team are real close. Just about all of us have been together for quite some time. You can tell that pays off when we are in the huddle and everybody is on the same page.
“Everyone takes Columbus lightly. We feel like we are becoming a good team. We just have to not make turnovers and we have to keep improving.”
For Conner, the exciting part might be a return to the practice field.
“I feel like I let my team down by not being able to play against Noxubee County,” Conner said. “That was my motivation to come out and do well against New Hope. Now my motivation this week is to keep the momentum up. Each day we get better in practice. Hopefully, that will keep showing up in games.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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