Kenmore High School athletic logo / Image courtesy Kenmore athletic director Jack Lundgren
The Kenmore High School football team has adopted a no-nonsense approach to improvement in 2011 with the return of 21 letterwinners from last year's squad that finished 2-8.
Borrowing the words of U.S. businessman Lee Iacocca, the Cardinals have adopted the saying, "Lead, follow, or get out of the way" as a mantra for the upcoming season.
Team leaders Chris Moore, Steve Vinson, Ben Gulley and Deontae Moore have demonstrated the passion inherent in the rallying cry throughout their Kenmore football careers.
Kenmore head coach Ed Peltz praised Chris Moore, a three-year starter and two-time All-Akron City Series honoree, for his "outstanding work ethic" and tabbed Vinson, a two-way player for the Cardinals and a fellow All-City Series selection, as the "heart of the team."
Peltz lauded Gulley, a senior receiver and defensive back, as "a difference-maker on both sides of the ball" and described Deontae Moore as the player who best represents the "fire in [the team's] belly."
The Cardinals use multiple offensive formations, but primarily operate out of a pro style formation. Defensively, Kenmore lines up in a 3-4 scheme.
Kenmore opens the season on the road tonight at Normandy.
Peltz, who is entering his 12th season as a varsity head coach, recently answered questions about the Cardinals and the keys to their success in 2011 for WKYC's HighSchoolSports.net.
WKYC's HighSchoolSports.net: What was your message to your team during your first team meeting of fall camp?
Kenmore head coach Ed Peltz: Hard work shows up on game night.
WKYC: What are your goals for your team this season?
Peltz: Develop [a] team bond, compete each play and put [ourselves] in position for a positive outcome.
WKYC: What must happen for your team to accomplish those goals?
Peltz: Chemistry, hard work and [a] never-say-die attitude.
WKYC: What is your team's greatest strength?
Peltz: [Its] unity, work ethic and willingness to be coached.
WKYC: What makes your team unique this season from other area teams?
Peltz: We feel we are [on] a path to win and be better than .500, as well as being very entertaining.
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