Kessler Ready To Lead Vikings In Senior Year
With 28 years of coaching experience behind him, Loudoun Valley football head coach Bruce Sheppard knows what it takes to make a team succeed. The Viking Football program has always showed tremendous talent on their side of the field, and this year the return of a few key players is likely to uphold that tradition. One of those players happens to be Senior Clyde Kessler.
Kessler is returning for his fourth year working with the varsity team. His coaches have always been aware of his passion for the sport, and they acted on it early.
"Clyde was one of the most aggressive, well rounded players on the freshman team," said Sheppard.
Hard work and determination contribute largely to his success. Kessler has steadfastly played ever since he was 9 years old, starting for recreational youth teams in his area. Eight years later, his efforts have paid off. For the second year in a row, Kessler has earned himself the position as starting quarterback for the Vikings. Kessler started his football career playing running back, but when the backfield became full, he made the switch to wide receiver and also started to see time in the defensive backfield as a sophomore. Kessler's versatility is what makes him a key component to this year's Viking team.
"He's really been playing everywhere - offense, defense and special teams...Physically he's very versatile. He's competing now for the quarterback spot, but if we decide that he's not going to be our quarterback then he'd be our starting receiver," said Sheppard.
Kessler is determined to see that Valley gets back into the playoffs and this time advances further. If that scenario plays out, Kessler could receive plenty of attention in the process, but that's not what is on the senior's mind entering the season.
"If I do get any special recognition this year, it would be because my teammates helped me out," Kessler said.
Kessler's ability to make plays on the football field has impressed his teammates and especially his head coach.
"Clyde is a gamer. He loves to play. He thrives on competition. He's got good ball skills. He's very aggressive. He gets a lot more out of his size," said Sheppard.
"I just go out and play hard. I always believe we can win if we do what we are supposed to do," said Kessler. "I work hard and focus on the details, and I'm not concerned with how my stats look as long as we win," Kessler said.
Sheppard knows exactly what he will get from Kessler on gameday. "Clyde's a competitor. He doesn't like to lose, and he's best when he's totally involved."
Who would athletes be without their biggest fans? Even with strong support from teammates, coaches and fans, Kessler claims that there is one person who has really helped him through it all.
"My mom has really helped push me. She's always like, 'You're not getting any better by just sitting there,'" said Kessler.
Whether it's at home or on the field, Kessler's ability to play with intense mental and physical dedication has allowed him to become one of Loudoun Valley's leaders on the football field for the 2006 season.
With the hopes of making their second straight playoff appearance, the Vikings are fortunate to have a player like Kessler to lead their team onto the football field.
