By ANDREW CRUM, Staff Writer
St. Joseph Academy sophomore quarterback Kai Money is just getting better.
The Herald’s All-Metro newcomer of the year last year threw for 1,295 yards and 13 touchdowns with just six interceptions, and he ran for 1,087 yards and eight more scores in eight games last season.
And this season, he looks to top those numbers and lead the Bloodhounds back to the playoffs.
“We’re trying to keep him grounded, but it’s easy to do because he’s a humble kid,” St. Joseph coach Tino Villarreal said. “He knows he can’t do it alone. He’s one of our team captains this year. He’s one of the guys that has stepped up to the plate as a team leader.”
What a difference a year makes.
“A year of experience under my belt is a big deal,” Money said. “Last year, I had a lot of people supporting me, and they’re still supporting me this year. A year of experience is great, I know what’s coming now.”
But it started with his offseason work and what he has learned in the past year.
Money attended the Manning Passing Academy and had a Nike Elite coach train with him 1-on-1 this summer. Now in season, the sophomore has spent plenty of time in the film room.
“We’re looking at him on the field, and he’s more of a student of the game now,” Villarreal said. “As a sophomore, he’s acting like a senior as far as recognizing coverages, looking at blitzes and understanding when to read and pull the football. He’s making some really good decisions so far.
“He’s grown up before our eyes.”
Money is learning to become a better leader for his teammates.
“Ever since I was a little kid, my dad and my coaches have told me (that) to be a quarterback you have to be a great leader, whether it’s by example or vocally,” he said. “I try to do both, but there’s always room to improve everything.”
Money isn’t afraid to sling it around or put his head down and run the ball. Through two games this season, he has had more rushing attempts than passing attempts, but it doesn’t matter to him.
“Anything I can do to help the offense, whatever the game plan is for the week,” he said. “Whatever they ask me to do, I try to do it the best I can.”
Villarreal looks forward to seeing more of the immense talent his sophomore quarterback has.
“We’re just here to help support and mold him into the football player we all envision him in becoming because we’re not satisfied right now. He’s not satisfied either,” the Bloodhounds’ coach said. “He knows he’s got a lot of growing up and work to do, but he’s putting in a lot of hours now and is showing us the future.”
And his future is very bright.
“I think the sky’s the limit for him,” Villarreal added. “I definitely believe he can be one of the best quarterbacks to ever graduate our school. Our job is to make sure he’s one of the best quarterbacks to leave the Valley.”
Andrew Crum covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him at (956) 982-6629 or via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @andrewmcrum.