‘Tougher than nails’ Trevor Scott carries the load for Cedar Rapids Kennedy

CEDAR RAPIDS — Trevor Scott wasn’t expected to be a workhorse.

The Cedar Rapids Kennedy tailback was more than willing to accept the role, Coach Brian White realized he was the hot guy in the backfield and the Cougars were off and running.

Scott carried the load for eighth-ranked Kennedy in its 28-19 opening-game victory over Iowa City West on Thursday night, toting the ball 31 times for 135 yards. More than half of the offensive plays ended with the ball in his hands.

The 5-foot-10, 185-pound junior was ready for more.

“I love helping the team any chance I can get,” Scott said. “That is my whole job. They ask and I do. It turned out good. We got the win. On to next week.”

White referred to Scott as the team’s “bell cow,” a term for the lead of a herd. Scott didn’t register a varsity carry last season, but demonstrated his mettle early, which led to getting the ball often.

“I didn’t think he was going to carry the ball that many times,” White said. “He’s just tougher than nails.”

Was he tired after the workload that included 21 second-half carries?

“No, sir,” Scott said. “All night. With this atmosphere and our students, it’s all good.”

Scott possesses an unselfish, team-first attitude. He said he plays for the name on the front of his jersey and not his own. The only thing that matters is whether the Cougars celebrate with their post-victory Hokey Pokey dance in the locker room.

“I’m just here to help the team win every week,” Scott said. “That’s the only thing I’m here for. I’m not looking to be recruited or set any records. Just help the team any way I can.”

Plenty of praise was handed out to his teammates. Scott credited the offensive line for his success. Their surge allowed Scott to have 28 gains and one no-gain against the Trojans.

“It’s all from the offensive line,” Scott said. “I’m nothing without them.”

His physical brand of running helped Kennedy ice the game. He carried the ball 16 of the final 21 plays, including 10 times in a key 13-play drive that result in his 3-yard touchdown run and a two-possession lead with a little more than six minutes left. He also had six carries in the final series that melted the final five minutes off the clock.

“He’s always going forward,” White said. “At the end, he had a tremendous run where he broke two or three tackles. I never see the kid get knocked backward.

“You’ve got to roll with the hot hand … We needed a banger and Trevor is the banger.”

White heaped some major praise on Scott. He compared him to former all-state running back Tyler Dralle. The pair share the same attitude and fire, according to White.

Both are hard-nosed runners that don’t have breakaway speed but can finish 15-yard runs. Scott thrives between the tackles, pounding away at opposing defenses.

“I’m not too fast,” Scott said. “I just like to run the ball. I like getting hit, too. I like forcing contact.

“I should have broken more tackles than I did (Thursday) night. We’ll work on that this week and hopefully be better.”

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