Kinnard brings versatility, leadership to Penncrest
Ryan Kinnard didn’t make the transition to running back until his freshman year at Penncrest High School.
“I’ve played football my entire life. The first eight years I played center,” Kinnard said. “The coaches saw that I am a downhill runner and it’s something that I like to do.”
But Kinnard is far from a one-dimensional player.
In last Friday night’s Media Bowl victory over Strath Haven, Kinnard helped disrupt a field-goal attempt that was blocked by teammate Zane Horne. The key special-teams play propelled the Lions to their first victory in 2015.
Kinnard has carved out an athletic career as a player who is willing to wear multiple hats. He was a two-way standout for the Penncrest lacrosse team in 2015, ranking second on the team in goals (46) and third in assists (23). The All-Delco and All-American was a member of Penncrest’s state championship team and is committed to play the sport at Hofstra in 2017.
For now, though, all Kinnard thinks about is winning football games and helping the Lions get back to the .500 mark.
“We struggled out of league in our first two games, so it was nice to start our Central League games with a win. It was a big win for us,” Kinnard said.
With an impressive stable of running backs, led by Kinnard’s no-nonsense approach to the position, the Lions have the opportunity to make some headway in the Central League standings. They recovered nicely from back-to-back losses against Upper Moreland and Academy Park to defeat Strath Haven, and now the Lions are set to take aim at winless Harriton (0-3).
The Lions host the Rams Thursday night with a chance to go 2-0 in the Central before they brace for the meat of their schedule, which includes five consecutive league opponents that currently boast winning marks.
“The coaches come up with great game plans every week and this week won’t be any different,” Kinnard said. “Right now, we’ve put all of our focus on our league games.”
Kinnard scored Penncrest’s lone touchdown in the win over Strath Haven and is the team leader in rushing yards (144) and touchdowns (three). Joe Quintiliano and John Batipps give the Lions solid depth out of the backfield. A versatile three-pronged attack at running back is the Lions’ golden ticket to success in 2015.
Kinnard recognizes the unit’s potential and is the ideal leader for the group.
“I always try to set a good example and make sure everyone is doing their job,” Kinnard said. “We have three good running backs this year and the coaches have confidence in all of us. It doesn’t matter who is getting the ball. John runs hard, Joe is a little quicker and I just like to run straight ahead. It’s a good thing to have three running backs that can do different things.”
Thursday night, Penncrest will have its hands full trying to contain Harriton quarterback Patrick Stewart, who set the Central League’s single-season passing record of 2,754 yards last fall. With Kinnard in the defensive secondary, opposing quarterbacks have completed 41 percent of their pass attempts.
Stewart, though, is one of the Central League’s best passers and will present an enormous test for the Penncrest defenders. Stewart was 15-of-30 for 93 yards in a 37-0 defeat to Marple Newtown last week.
“He’s a good quarterback who can move around in the pocket,” Kinnard said. “He is athletic and can buy some time back there and make strong throws.”
The Lions hope to parlay last week’s thrilling victory into a winning streak. The momentum building starts Thursday.
“It was great to get that win last week and we want to keep it going,” Kinnard said.
