Nazareth Area High School defensive back Kris Kent needs just one arm to succeed

FROM THE EXPRESS TIMES

He flies around the field like Superman.

But he looks more like Mega Man.

Nazareth Area High School senior Kris Kent has been playing some of his best defense in recent weeks with a cast on his right hand after breaking it against Freedom High School on Oct. 15.

"It’s not only just in the games," coach Rob Melosky said. "He makes the plays in practice every night."

Kent had two interceptions in the Blue Eagles' 35-28 win over Parkland on Oct. 22 and another pair in their 42-35 win over Whitehall last Friday.

The senior, who hasn't played football since his freshman season, has five interceptions this season.

"Our coaching staff puts me in a great place," Kent said. "Whether I have one arm or two I have to make these plays. I guess everyone is making it a bigger deal than it has to be. It’s my job to do as a cornerback."


In fact, his one-armed INTs have been such a sight, Melosky has been urging people to check out the videos of Kent's performances on YouTube.

User "nazarethfootball" -- who is the team viedeographer Kim Stasa and a few board members, according to Melosky -- has uploaded 57 videos of the Nazareth football team.



The 53-second video of Kent's two interceptions against the Trojans has gotten 210 views so far.


Is Kent and his one-armed catches the next Internet sensation?

"I wouldn't say sensation but I've gotten noticed around town a little more," Kent said. "People call me the one-armed wonder. It’s kind of funny."


Senior receiver and free safety Jeremy Klump said he and the rest of Kent's teammates have fun with the whole situation. Kent admitted lineman Brandon Krock asked the team trainer if he could wear a cast, but the trainer denied the request.

"That’s been the joke lately, saying we should get casts and people would throw at us," Klump said. "Everyone keeps throwing at him and he keeps making plays."


Kent visited his doctor on Tuesday and said he is scheduled to get the hard cast removed on Nov. 16. After the cast comes off, Kent said he is unsure if he'll have to wear a soft cast or some sort of removable splint.


Either way, Melosky and Kent hope the success continues, cast or no cast.

"He mentioned it to me (Wednesday)," Melosky said. "He said coach, 'I get it off in two weeks,' and I said maybe we should keep it on."

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