Straughn sophomore Rollin Kinsaul is Player of Week

In his first real big game of the season, Straughn linebacker Rollin Kinsaul wanted to make sure his presence was felt on the field.

Kinsaul, who made his third start of the season last week in Straughn’s 19-17 loss to T.R. Miller, was literally everywhere on the field, utilizing his quick feet and middle-weight frame to make sure he was a part of the action.

In fact, Kinsaul finished with 10 tackles — four solo, six assists and one being a 6-yard loss — for the night.

SHS defensive coordinator John Fussell said the 6-foot, 170-pound sophomore had a good game.

Kinsaul’s tenacity and courage on the gridiron last week earned him The Star-News Player of the Week honors.

“First of all, I want to thank coach Fussell and (SHS head football) coach (Trent) Taylor for giving me a chance (to play),” Kinsaul said.

He said last week’s game was an “exciting time to play.”

“Even though we didn’t come out on top, we understood and it was fun,” Kinsaul said. “At half time, coach Taylor said it’s not about scheming anymore, it’s about playing with your heart.

“We came out in the second half and did that,” he said. “It’s too bad we didn’t come out on top. We played hard.”

TRM had two running backs — juniors Dominique Jackson and Kameron Coleman — who were pounding the ball up the field all night long.

Kinsaul, who also plays tight end on offense, said tackling Jackson takes a lot.

“They had a good football team in general,” he said. “He (Jackson) was a good runner. It’s all about how bad you want it that helps you tackle him.”

Kinsaul said the team has put the loss to T.R. Miller behind it and now the Tigers’ sights are set on Opp.

“It’s a big one,” Kinsaul said about the Opp game. “It’s a rivalry game. Any rivalry game is a fun one. We understand what’s at stake here Friday night.”

Rollin is the son of Benjie and Jan Kinsaul of the Straughn Community.