MADISON, Fla. (WTXL) - When it comes to high school football, the Madison County Cowboys have proven year after year they are one of the best programs in the state of Florida. Madison County has four State Runner-up finishes to their name and two State titles, and this year, defensive lineman Kevin Kegler is looking to help the Cowboys get their third.
"We've been to the third round of the play-offs three times in a row," he said. "This has been a drive for us, because we know this is the last time."
It's the last time for Kevin and his fellow seniors to leave their mark in Cowboy history.
"When your best players are your hardest workers, and when your best players believe in the mission of your program and what your program stands for, you can't put a price on it," said Madison County head coach Mike Coe.
"I don't vocalize stuff as much, all the yelling and stuff," said Kevin. "I try to lead by example. I'll show you how to do it instead of telling you, I'll show you."
Kevin's doing a good job of showing. He's third on the team in tackles, second in sacks, and he's caused three fumbles on the year. He's also putting up numbers in the classroom- balancing a 3.0 GPA.
"Grades first, no matter what you do, grades first." Kevin said his parents have been a big motivator for his achievements in the classroom. "A lot of people find that hard, but me it's just something you're supposed to do, regardless of what, because education takes you way further than sports."
"Education is everything," said Coach Coe. "He gets that, and his parents have done a good job of pushing him to that. He's got all the tools. Smarts, athleticism, he's got it all."
That combo has earned Kevin a scholarship to the University of South Florida, where he'll suit up for the Bulls next season. But before he dons green and gold, Kevin's looking to bring gold home to Madison County.
"It would be the perfect year for me. It couldn't get any better than that."
Kevin and the Cowboys travel to Pahokee Friday for the Class 1A State Semifinals. Kickoff is at 7:30.
