When Blake Goddard received word his father accepted a job in St. Louis, the news of moving did not sit well. All Goddard knew about KHS was it was a big school and good at football.
“I was a little depressed for a while when I knew I was leaving everything that I’m used to,” Goddard, junior and former Festus resident, said. “But I figured out where I was going and became pretty happy about it.”
Goddard had been the varsity starting quarterback for the Festus Tigers before his transfer. His new KHS teammates knew about his skill set before his first summer practice.
“We were all impressed,” Luke Beattie, senior and varsity right guard, said. “We all watched his highlight films before he showed up. He put up some solid numbers as the start- ing quarterback on Festus varsity.”
Now on KHS varsity, Goddard has a new role starting as a linebacker on defense and is one of three quarterbacks on the roster. He recorded a fumble recovery in a 32-22 comeback victory over Hazelwood East Sept. 2.
Head Coach Matt Irvin praises Goddard’s work ethic, stating it is a big reason why he has been well received by all of his new coaches and teammates.
“I haven’t seen many kids with a work ethic like Blake,” Beattie said. “He lifts more and works harder than almost any other kid on the team.”
Goddard thanks Irvin for the help he has provided in his transition, especially in the weight room and learning the playbook.
“I love [Kirkwood],” Goddard said. “I love my classes. I love my teachers. Everyone has really put me in my place. No complaints. Ev- erything has been perfect.”
Beattie said Goddard is a modest, hard worker which is why his teammate was so quick to learn the playbook and gain a spot as a starting linebacker.
“Any kid to move over the summer and have a starting job as a junior means he’s made a pretty good transition,” Beattie said.
