Durant played well in its 24-6 win over Brandon, but the play of the game belongs to defensive lineman Adrien Kirkland. With the Eagles inside the five-yard line, Kirkland snagged an interception and took it all the way back for a touchdown. It was, in his opinion, the highlight of his Cougar career thus far.
That pick six was clutch. Did you think you were going to do that?
I really didn’t. The ball got tipped by Austin Lumley. I’d just seen the ball in the air and said, “I’ve got to make a play,” so I got it.
When you had the ball in your hands, how far did you think you’d take it? All the way?
I had a feeling. I saw all that open ground.
Last year, you were on the team that lost to Brandon in the preason. I’m sure you guys wanted revenge this time. What did you do differently?
I just prepared for the game more. I stayed more focused during the day and just studied the plays more.
What were you asked to do on that play?
I was in the one-technique. I squeezed down my tackle and saw the pass coming, so I ripped off of him. Luckily, my defensive end, Lumley, tipped the ball. It just fell in my hands, and I took it all the way.
How did it feel to get back out there again, touch the rock and rush the field?
I felt very confident because I knew what I was doing this time. I had that sense of urgency, like, “I’ve got to make a difference this year.”
Is there any position you’ve never played, but would want to?
I’ve never played DB but, as a little kid, I always wanted to. With my size and weight, I couldn’t move around that much. But in high school, I lost that weight, and I’m faster. You never know.
How much weight did you lose?
About 30 pounds. It took me about two offseasons.
What are your goals for this season?
This year, we’re trying to go to states. We’re going to do something real special this year.
You guys are confident that you have a talented, yet slept-on, squad here. What’s this team capable of doing that could surprise people?
We’re going to go real far. Not a lot of teams think we are, but I know for a fact that we’re going to go far. Our strength is the d-line. We’ve got to make it happen.
Is there any sport you’ve never played, but want to?
I want to try lacrosse. I’ve never played that, but I’m going to try and play it this season. It just seems fun. I’ve seen it all through high school. I’m like, “Man, I’m going to try that one day.”
How long have you been playing football?
Twelve years now. I started playing when I was 4 years old.
What’s your inspiration?
To be a better person in life. To be the best I can be in everything and become number one.
Which pro team would you want to play for, if you could?
I would like to play for the Ravens, my favorite team. Either them, or the Steelers.
Wait, what?
Yeah, I know they’re rivals. But those are my two favorite teams in the NFL.
What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen while on this team?
We went to Rainbow River, and one of my teammates had flipped my raft. I didn’t know what to do, because I didn’t know how deep the water was. I’m just freaking out like, “Bro, what’s going on? I need help!” Luckily, they just said, “You can touch the bottom.” I’m like, “Oh, I can?” So I stuck my foot down, and I’m like, “Oh, snap, I can touch the bottom.”