Speedy Davis found his niche

 Front Range Christian senior halfback Kyle Davis is a hybrid athlete, like a Prius — quiet, quick and more than capable of being effective.

Matthew Jonas

Kyle Davis led Front Range Christian in rushing, was second in receiving and was the team’s punter in 2010.

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Unlike other running backs who flaunt their talent like a tricked-out Hummer, like Bo Jackson, Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton, Davis controls the field in a way that makes the defensive line wonder if that was the wind that just blew or if their man had just run by.

After receiving unanimous vote as an all-conference running back in 2010, Davis is entering his fourth year with the Falcons. A year ago, he rushed for 749 yards on 137 carries — averaging 5.47 yards per carry. He also had 17 catches — eight for touchdowns — on his way to leading the team in rushing and finishing second in receiving.

Then, when he was asked to be the team’s punter as well, he had 27 punts for a total of 924 yards, an average of 34.2 yards per kick. Not bad for a kid who never really meant to play football in the first place.

“I don’t really know how I got into football,” recalls Davis. “I never thought, ‘Oh, yeah, I totally want to be a football player.’ It just sort of happened.” 

When Davis showed up for tryouts as a freshman, the coaching staff sensed that he was a kid with a lot of potential. They asked Davis to do some agility drills and it was there they found his strength.  

For the coaches, Davis was like a gift from heaven. He was a young, teachable athlete who was fast and agile and it just so happened that their starting halfback for the past three years was out for the season with a broken collarbone.

“I had never played football in my life before this and I remember feeling totally confused and not knowing what was going on or what to do. But the coaches were really good about helping me figure it out,” Davis said.

And his first game? 

“Oh my god, I was terrified,” said Davis, who also plays hockey.

In the first play of his first game, Davis faced a “big linebacker,” from Cripple Creek who was whooping things up as they were getting ready to start the play instantly striking fear into the novice freshman. 

“He came through on a blitz and just drilled me,” said Davis, smiling and shaking his head. “After he hit me, he grabbed my facemask and (screamed) in my face. I thought, ‘Maybe I shouldn’t do this,’ ” Davis said.

Thankfully, Davis’ hockey experience helped to lessen the trauma of taking his first hit and he stuck with football.

“He makes everything work to his advantage,” Front Range Christian head football coach Derald Gautier said. “His height helps him see the field, his hockey helps him be nimble and his mellow attitude helps his teammates.

“I believe that he is going to have a great year and that he will end his high school career here at Front Range by breaking the school’s all-time rushing record,” Gautier continued. 

“And if he plays collegiately, he will improve whatever team he decides to join.”

IN THE HUDDLE
Head coach: Derald Gautier
Assistant Coaches: Cory Clauss, Brenc Glossinger, Dennis Raarup, Bill Lowden, Ken Hayes, Will Richardson
Last Playoff Appearance: N/A
Offensive Formation: I-formation
Defensive Formation: 4-4
Returning Starters: 8 offense; 8 defense
Players to Watch: Kyle Davis, Sr., RB, 6-0, 180; Miles Finch, Jr., DT, 6-5, 220

2011 SCHEDULE
Aug. 26, at Wiggins, 7 p.m.
Sept. 2, vs. Cripple Creek-Victor, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 10, at Custer County, 1 p.m.
Sept. 17, vs. Resurrection Christian, 1 p.m.
Sept. 24, at Cornerstone Christian, 7 p.m.
Oct. 1, at Denver Christian, 1 p.m.
Oct. 8, at Byers, 1 p.m.
Oct. 22, vs. Lutheran-Parker, 2 p.m.
Oct. 29, at Nederland, 1 p.m.

2010 RESULTS
Sept. 4, W/ Cripple Creek-Victor, 28-14
Sept. 11, L/ Custer County, 35-21
Sept. 18, L/ Resurrection Christian, 28-0
Sept. 25, W/ Cornerstone Christian, 42-0
Oct. 2, L/ Denver Christian, 68-33
Oct. 9,  L/ Byers, 41-0
Oct. 16, L/ Denver Lutheran, 20-12
Oct. 23, W/ Lutheran-Parker, 24-8
Oct. 30, W/ Nederland, 58-0