Holliston trailed by two scores within the second sport of the 2021 Fall II season when a damaged cross play shortly became a severe damage. As its beginning quarterback exited the sphere, head coach Todd Kiley turned to his son, second-string QB TJ Kiley, to inform him to go lead the offense.
Given the circumstances for a sophomore, Todd wasn’t positive how it will go. He knew TJ would play exhausting as a competitor, however on the drop of a pin, he was impressed together with his composure within the position.
It wasn’t precisely a miracle second to guide a comeback, however it positively foreshadowed what would come from the undersized, 5-foot-7 quarterback.
“Not sure he was quite ready at that time, but you know what, he dove into it without hesitation and competed,” Todd stated. “Kind of thrown into the fire and he proved a lot to his teammates and his head coach that he belonged in that spot.”
What the information present during the last two years since TJ took over the beginning position is a veteran-laden Holliston (7-1) group taking the fourth seed on this yr’s Div. 4 state match, only one yr after a younger 6-5 group missed the playoffs. Hidden inside that, although, is the momentum the Panthers have snowballed right into a severe bid for a deep run – anchored partly by the management and willpower of the younger man underneath middle.
As winner in 12 of its final 13 video games courting again to final yr, this group has surged to a share of the Tri-Valley League title with the offense averaging over 33 factors per sport. TJ has grown alongside a big crew of great contributors that took a little bit little bit of time to click on into gear final yr, taking part in his half with 20 passing touchdowns and 1,454 yards. It’s a formidable feat contemplating this success began in the midst of TJ’s first yr actually throwing the ball as QB final yr, largely to a bunch of receivers who had by no means caught a varsity ball getting into that season.
TJ is simply happy to play his half in a well-oiled machine.
“That means everything (to produce 33 points per game), points win games,” he stated. “It’s definitely not just me, football is the biggest team sport in the whole world and it takes every guy, every single play to do their job. … This year has been a very special year to me. Last year too, but this year, we have really improved in a lot of areas. It’s showing every week.”
The pre-game routine Todd does together with his quarterbacks hasn’t modified a lot through the years, however together with his son, he throws in a hug and phrases of affection earlier than the boys go to battle. Without that, although, you’d by no means know TJ is his son on the soccer subject.
TJ solely refers to Todd as “Coach,” in observe and video games. Todd doesn’t give TJ exceptions and is definitely a little bit more durable on him than most. Not solely as a result of he’s his son, however it’s the quarterback who leads the offense.
Todd is aware of the specialty of being part of what his son has completed, and can watch movie as a coach earlier than watching it a second time as a father. But there’s a sure degree of focus required to perform what Holliston strives for this yr, and Todd appreciates simply how locked in TJ and the remainder of the staff have been.
He and his son can reminisce after the ultimate whistle – although it’s exhausting to disregard the paternal pleasure.
“I’m sure I’ll enjoy it when the season is over, but in the grind of it all, you’re just constantly working for that next week,” he stated. “We’re just going to work, grabbing our lunch pails every day. It’s just been a pleasure. … Obviously I’m proud of (TJ), just like I’m proud of my other son and everything he does. I’m proud he’s flourishing like he is under the pressure he plays under. It’s not easy being the coach’s kid for many reasons, but it doesn’t faze him.”
TJ and the Panthers are hoping that remaining whistle doesn’t come till the week after Thanksgiving at Gillette Stadium. And that’s why the senior quarterback takes full benefit of getting his quarterbacks coach simply down the hallway at residence.
That comes by the handful, a lot to the amusement of a father greater than snug with leaving the soccer discuss on the door.
“We barely missed playoffs last year … it definitely left a bad taste in our mouths,” TJ stated. “It’s important for everyone and we don’t want to leave any stone unturned. … It helps to talk at home with him. On the field as well, but obviously at home I have an advantage to talk with him about game plan and practice plan and all that. It’s a huge advantage.”
PROFILE BOX
NAME: TJ Kiley
SCHOOL: Holliston High School
AGE: 18
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 5’7″, 145
POSITION: QB
NICKNAME: Teej
FAMILY: Todd Kiley (dad), Sarah Kiley (mother) & Brent Kiley (brother)
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 1st staff TVL All Star, 3-year varsity starter, Metro West Daily News participant of the week, successful 12 out of our final 13 video games, Winning TVL (not less than a share) and sharing Holliston passing information the previous two years with my WR’s, RB & O-Line.
FAVORITE PERSONAL MOMENT IN SPORTS: Beating Hopkinton to clinch not less than a share of the TVL title.
FAVORITE COURSE IN SCHOOL: Ceramics
LEAST FAVORITE COURSE IN SCHOOL: Math
FAVORITE PIGOUT FOOD: A hen stack at Moes
FAVORITE TV SHOW: Game of Thrones
FAVORITE MOVIE: Remember the Titans
FAVORITE MUSICIAN: Future
FAVORITE VIDEO GAME: Starwars Battlefront 2
FAVORITE SMARTPHONE APP: Snapchat
FAVORITE TWITTER ACCOUNT TO FOLLOW: Danny Ventura
FAVORITE PRO TEAM: New England Patriots
FAVORITE ATHLETE(S): My Holliston Panther soccer staff brothers
HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A GAME: I hearken to my music with my headphones on and go right into a psychological state the place I’m calm and targeted earlier than the storm. I roll out my complete physique and do my arm care routine. Lastly I heat up my arm extra with my indoor throwing routine.
IF YOU COULD BE SOMEONE ELSE FOR A DAY, WHO WOULD IT BE: Tom Brady
CAREER AMBITIONS: To be exhausting working and profitable wherever my path leads me.
Source: www.bostonherald.com