ANDERSON, Ind. — Highland quarterback Brad Kinred doesn’t intentionally set out to make highlight plays that get immortalized in a photograph.
“It just happens,” said the Scots senior signal caller. “It just goes with the flow.”
Kinred has a knack for being in the right place at the right time when there is a camera around.
Last spring during the baseball sectionals, Kinred was caught on film making a diving one-handed catch in center field during the Scots’ sectional game against Anderson.
Two weeks ago, the diminutive Kinred was scrambling for yardage when he elevated over a Greenfield-Central defender for a play that established the momentum early in the Scots’ favor. Highland went on to win 33-6.
In the semifinal game against Mount Vernon, Kinred recorded some big hits from his defensive back position in the Scots’ 21-20 win in double overtime.
In all three instances, those plays were caught on film and featured in the sports section the next day.
The meeting of preparation and opportunity aside, Highland football coach Randy Albano has a theory.
“The photographer got lucky with the picture,” said Albano. “(Brad’s) just a competitor, that’s the bottom line. Sometimes he loses control, he’s so competitive. The hurdle thing just shows what kind of competitor he is.”
“He goes all out every game, especially in the sectional,” said Scots linebacker Chandler Sidwell, who is also on the baseball team with Kinred.
For Kinred, making plays in which he throws his body all over the field comes down to one simple thing.
“Just the need to win,” said Kinred.
Last season, Highland had Kaleb Ogden starting at quarterback. Ogden checked in at 6-foot-3 and more than 200 pounds. When Ogden graduated and took his game to the University of Indianapolis, Kinred stepped into the starter’s role and Albano revised the Scots’ offense.
“We changed our offense totally from last year. We don’t run the spread much like last year. We’re running a lot of misdirection and option stuff,” said Albano. “He leads by example and he’s one of our biggest hitters on defense. A lot of things he does on the field are positives that get our team going.”
The Scots started hot, winning their first three games.
A 49-41 win over state powerhouse Heritage Christian in Week 3 gave the Scots a look at what they could be capable of. It also turned out to be a case of complacency rearing its ugly head.
Highland would go 3-3 in its final six games before regaining their focus in the sectional, where one-and-done is the law.
“We were really hardnosed the first couple of games. But after that win against Heritage Christian, we got cocky,” said Kinred. “Our seniors have gotten our team back in check and that’s why we’ve been playing good in the postseason.”
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Highland's Kindred the picture of intensity
Quarterback thrives where preparation and opportunity meet
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