Kinkela gives Karns City ideal fullback
KARNS CITY — They call Alex Kinkela “The Hammer.”
It's an apt description for a fullback who swings through the line with the force of a sledge for the Karns City football team.
“I have faith in the line that they are going to make their blocks,” Kinkela said before cracking a sly smile. “If they don't, I can make up for it.”
Kinkela has been plowing his way through opposing defenses at a prodigious rate for the Gremlins over the last three weeks — all 100-yard games.
Kinkela had his best game of the season in the District 9 Class AA semifinal against Brookville at Clarion University Saturday, rushing for 135 yards on just 15 carries with two bullish touchdown runs.
Kinkela had 753 yards on just 94 carries and 14 TDs this season — 358 yards and seven scores in the last three games.
“I don't know how to explain it, he's just your ultimate fullback-type kid,” said Karns City head football coach Ed Conto of Kinkela. “If you are going to draw a picture of a fullback and say what you want to do with him, you'd draw up Alex.”
Kinkela was part of a Karns City running game that gained nearly 500 yards against the Raiders Saturday, despite running behind an offensive line ravaged by injuries.
Kinkela said no matter who is lining up in front of him, he knows they will do the job.
“It's been a rough season with injuries,” Kinkela said. “But everyone has stepped up. It's kind of amazing.”
For Kinkela getting back to the playoffs and the district title game — where the Gremlins will find old friend and rival Moniteau waiting for them at Clarion University Friday night — was a huge goal.
Last season, the Gremlins missed the playoffs for the first time since 1995.
That didn't sit well with Kinkela, now a senior, or the rest of his classmates.
“It means a world to me, to us, to the coaches,” Kinkela said.
Conto challenged the junior class at the end of last season to get the program back on track this year.
After a shaky start, the Gremlins finished strong thanks in large part to a dominant running game led by backs like Kinkela, tailback Glenn Toy and halfback/fullback hybrid Jerod Hutchison.
Hutchison also has had a strong stretch of games at the close of the season. He gained 64 yards on nine carries against Brookville and has 422 yards rushing on 75 carries and seven TDs, mostly out of the fullback position.
“Hutch has to know how to play two positions and he hasn't made any mistakes,” Conto said.
Now, Karns City is back in familiar territory: playing for a district crown.
And they are doing it the familiar way: with bruising fullbacks leading the charge.
“I think us seniors are really hyped up about it,” Kinkela said. “I'm just glad we're back here and we're going to make the best of it.”
