When asked where Kankakee Valley most needs to improve this fall, head coach Kirk Kennedy’s answer was simple: toughness.
“We’re going to go back to some old-school football this year,” Kennedy said. “We need to be the toughest and most excited team on the field every Friday night.”
Kennedy added that fundamentals remain the priority. “Block well, tackle well, take care of the football, hold down penalties and mistakes. Don’t beat ourselves. If we can do that and force our opponents to beat us, we’ll be in every game.”
That attitude resonates with his seniors. “I think what motivates me is the guys around me,” Duttlinger said. “I don’t want to disappoint them. We hold each other accountable.”
Anderson agreed. “You don’t want to let your teammate down,” he said. “We’ve been playing together since we were five years old. That chemistry matters.”
Kennedy said toughness combined with execution will define the Kougars’ success. “If we bring those qualities, we’ll give ourselves a chance every week,” he said.
