On the stands the Bayfield defense looks impenetrable. From the field, it looks like a brick wall halting anything that comes its way. Like a V-8 engine, the Bayfield defense has turned into a machine that never lets up. From the opponent’s view, it can look scary.
But peel back the multiple layers of the special Wolverine defense, and you’ll find its heart orchestrating this beautiful monster. As humble as senior Kyle Killough is off the field, he roars with ferocity on the field. As a man of faith and conviction, Killough embodies what a field commander should be: an emotional leader and an inspirational thinker.
“He’s very intelligent,” Bayfield defensive coordinator Mike Wnorowski said. “He’s really the brains on the field of our defense. He gets us lined up properly and calls all the plays.”
Killough is Bayfield’s unassuming bruising linebacker who leads the Wolverines with 75 tackles while averaging 7.5 tackles per game. In his career, Killough has 203 tackles. In Bayfield’s 47-7 win over La Junta last Saturday in the Colorado High School Activities Association Class 2A Football Semifinal Playoff game, Killough recorded 10 tackles with one fumble recovery.
Off the field, Killough doesn’t seem like an intimidating linebacker. His favorite subject is math and answers everything with a “yes sir” or a “no sir”. If one didn’t know better, Killough would be just a regular high school guy, flying under the radar.
But once Killough puts on his pads and helmet, a new man emerges with a fiery transformation that takes hold of him in his pre-game pep talks that help get his teammates ready for each game. When Killough transfers over, he draws his inspiration from his Christian faith.
“I credit (Jesus Christ) with everything I have,” said Killough, son of Kevin and Lana Killough. “That’s really the basis of where that comes from. It’s from praying. Praying for protection and praying for execution.”
It’s easy for some people to take football for granted, but to Killough it means more, its camaraderie.
“It’s not all about football, it’s about life,” said Killough. “It’s a lot of work, a lot of dedication. It proves how much the team means to you, how much the brotherhood means to you. That’s what we have and that’s why we’ve been so successful.”
When No. 1 Bayfield (11-0) travels to take on Platte Valley (11-1) in the CHSAA championship game, it will be one more time for the seniors to suit up, and one more time to play all four quarters.
It’s no secret that Bayfield’s defense has been dominating all year. Allowing only 70 points all season has been attributed to the Wolverines’ approach to each game, which is execution and trust among teammates.
“We have to play four quarters and we’ve been doing that all year,” said Killough. “We knew every single game that if we don’t play four quarters (other teams) could always come back. We just have to play how we’ve been playing.”
One aspect of the defense was coach Wnorowski’s approach. The first year defensive coordinator has had a huge impact on the player’s approach to 2015.
“He challenges all the guys every week to do things better,” added Killough. “He exposes the things you do wrong, but picks you up and shows you how to do them better. That’s how we keep excelling. We shift every week to the offense that we’re playing. I think that’s an advantage. He always has a good game plan, it’s up to us to execute.”
In last week’s win over La Junta, the Wolverine defense caused four turnovers.
“We just capitalize at a possible mistake and that’s credit to our whole team,” the senior said. “We play until the whistle and we go hard and hit hard. (We’ll have) a lot of intensity, a lot of tenacity and just focus on my job and trust that my brothers to get it done.”
Killough, who was born in Farmington, moved to Bayfield when he was in the sixth grade. Ever since he moved to Bayfield, he and his fellow seniors have been dreaming about the chance to bring home a state championship for a long time so to Killough, this is a moment to revel in.
At just 17-years old, Killough already plans for his next step in life. In the fall of 2016, he’ll be a freshman at Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas on an academic scholarship.
“(Kyle is) more than a football player, he’s a top-notch human being and everyone looks up to him,” Bayfield head coach Gary Heide said. “He’s a straight-A student who has great character in the community and in the class room.”
As a player, Kyle applies his smarts to the field and puts in the time in the offseason to excel.
“He’s invested so much time he doesn’t want any play to go to waste,” added Heide. “To give all that he’s given, the only way to demonstrate it is to play with all your effort.”
Come Saturday, the Bayfield defense will play inspired football for all four quarters. The team’s heart will beat on in the cold of winter, seeking a championship to bring home.
“We’re not looking at this as a road trip,” said Killough of traveling to Kersey to play Platte Valley. “But rather a business trip because that’s what it is.”
jmentzer@durangoherlad.com
Behind the Scenes
Who is your favorite athlete? Colt McCoy.
What is your favorite sports movie? “When the Game Stands Tall”
What is your favorite place to take a date? The movies.
Who is your favorite musician? Lecrae
Which teacher has had the greatest impact on you? Ms. Milner who is a math teacher.
Which celebrity crush do you have? Taylor Swift or Selena Gomez
What is your favorite all-time video game? Call of Duty: Black Ops
What place do you want to visit that you’ve never been? Hawaii
Do you have any superstitions? Pre-game tea. Two bags of chamomile and three scoops of honey.
Who inspires you? Jesus Christ.
