Grady Kinsey’s Dominant Performance Leads Team to State Championship Victory
In a thrilling state championship matchup, Grady Kinsey delivered a performance for the ages, rushing for 247 yards and five touchdowns on 36 carries to lead his team to victory. Kinsey, a Mr. Football finalist, showcased his unmatched strength and resilience, carrying his team through a back-and-forth battle that ended in a hard-fought triumph.
First Half: Kinsey Sets the Tone
The game began with momentum favoring SAN as quarterback S. Schweinfurth connected with B. Parker for a 40-yard touchdown to take an early 7-0 lead. However, Kinsey and the IND offense responded emphatically in the second quarter. Kinsey’s 1-yard touchdown run capped a grueling 15-play, 66-yard drive to narrow the gap to 7-6.
Moments later, Kinsey found the end zone again with a 12-yard rush, giving IND their first lead at 14-7 after a successful two-point conversion. SAN answered with a 54-yard touchdown pass to tie the game, but Kinsey remained relentless. With just over a minute left in the half, Kinsey muscled in for another 2-yard touchdown and followed it with a successful two-point conversion to make it 22-14.
SAN struck back in dramatic fashion, as S. Schweinfurth connected with B. Collier on a 70-yard touchdown pass just before halftime, tying the score at 22-22.
Second Half: A Gritty Battle Unfolds
SAN opened the third quarter with another touchdown pass, a 26-yard connection to Parker, reclaiming the lead at 29-22. Kinsey, however, would not be denied. He orchestrated a 10-play, 82-yard drive and punched in his fourth touchdown of the game from 2 yards out to tie the score once again at 29-29.
The air attack from SAN continued as Schweinfurth and Collier struck again on a 53-yard touchdown, pushing the lead to 36-29. With the championship hanging in the balance, Kinsey put his team on his back in the fourth quarter.
Fourth Quarter: Kinsey Seals the Win
Early in the final period, Kinsey capped a methodical 10-play, 63-yard drive with another 2-yard touchdown run. He followed it up with his second successful two-point conversion of the night, giving IND a 37-36 lead and setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Kinsey’s historic performance, marked by his 247 rushing yards and five scores, not only secured the victory but solidified his status as one of the state’s premier players. His relentless effort and poise under pressure proved to be the difference in a championship game defined by grit and determination.
With the final whistle, IND celebrated a well-earned state title, fueled by Grady Kinsey’s unforgettable display of talent and leadership on the biggest stage.
22 Spears Grady Kinsey: The Powerhouse Behind Indian Valley’s State Championship Run
Indian Valley’s undefeated march to the Division IV State Championship has been fueled by an exceptional player: junior running back Grady Kinsey. At 5’9” and 197 pounds, Kinsey embodies power and precision, setting records and defying expectations with every game. His combination of strength and agility has made him one of the most dominant players not just in Ohio, but nationally.
Unstoppable on the Field
Kinsey’s stats this season are nothing short of extraordinary. With 3,031 rushing yards, he ranks 6th in the nation, 1st in Ohio, and 1st in Division IV. His ability to break through defensive lines has resulted in an astonishing 11.5 yards per carry, more than double the national average of 5.3. Across 263 carries, Kinsey has racked up 45 rushing touchdowns, averaging an impressive 216.5 rushing yards per game. In the recent playoff win against Taft, Kinsey delivered yet another standout performance with 187 rushing yards on 32 carries, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. This consistency under pressure underscores why he is the linchpin of Indian Valley’s offensive strategy.
Ohio Mr. Football Finalist
Kinsey’s remarkable season has earned him a spot as a finalist for the prestigious Ohio Mr. Football award. With 2,347 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns on 178 carries in 10 regular-season games, Kinsey has established himself as one of the most dynamic backs in the state. His 13.2-yard average per carry and his ability to play in just 27 of 40 quarters during the season demonstrate his efficiency and versatility. Kinsey has also contributed defensively with 56 tackles, further showcasing his well-rounded skills. Over his career, he has surpassed 5,000 rushing yards, nearly 80 touchdowns, and more than 250 tackles, making him a true force on both sides of the ball.
Strength Beyond Numbers
Kinsey’s physicality sets him apart. With a bench press of 385 pounds and both a squat and deadlift of 545 pounds, his strength is undeniable. This raw power translates directly to the field, where he bulldozes defenders and fights for extra yards. His low center of gravity and explosive burst make him a nightmare for opposing defenses to tackle.
Leadership and Impact
Beyond his stats, Kinsey is a leader on and off the field. His work ethic and determination inspire teammates, setting a high standard for Indian Valley’s football program. His relentless drive is evident in every play, whether he’s breaking a long run or grinding out tough yardage.
Eyes on the Prize
As Indian Valley prepares to face Perkins in the state championship, Kinsey will be the focal point of their offensive game plan. His ability to control the tempo and wear down defenses will be crucial in this high-stakes matchup. Perkins’ defense, known for its resilience, faces its toughest test yet in trying to contain Kinsey’s relentless attack.
A Bright Future Ahead
With another season still to come, Kinsey’s potential seems limitless. Colleges are undoubtedly taking notice of his remarkable performances, and his junior season has already cemented his status as one of the top running backs in the country.
Indian Valley’s success this season is a testament to team effort, but there’s no denying that Grady Kinsey is the engine driving the Braves’ championship aspirations. As Saturday’s state title game approaches, all eyes will be on #22 — a player who has already made history and is far from finished.
Photo by Carson Zoller
Day in the life - https://youtu.be/AD-7hmVxllQ?si=iwkFKkv51xzP8GWk
22 Spears Documentary - https://youtu.be/0YLiWx0t_Ro?si=u9P1MgrcV6ozBMV0
Indian Valley Secures Historic Victory Over Cincinnati Taft, Advances to State Final
COLUMBUS — In a defining moment for Indian Valley football, the Braves delivered a clutch performance to secure a 29-20 victory over Cincinnati Taft in the Division IV state semifinal at Historic Crew Stadium. This win sends Indian Valley to its first-ever state championship game, where they will face Sandusky Perkins next Thursday at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton.
The Decisive Drive
With 5:35 remaining in the game and the ball on their own 23-yard line, Indian Valley orchestrated a game-winning, 77-yard drive. Grady Kinsey, the focal point of the Braves’ offense, carried the ball nine times on this crucial possession, culminating in a 7-yard touchdown run with just 58 seconds left on the clock. A successful two-point conversion, a throw-back pass from Ryker Williams to Cameron James, sealed the victory.
Dominant Defense
Indian Valley’s defense proved resilient, shutting out Taft in the final three quarters after the Senators had surged to a 20-15 lead at halftime. The Braves’ defensive adjustments were key, highlighted by Williams’ three sacks, including two critical takedowns in the fourth quarter. Additionally, timely stops in Indian Valley territory and a pass breakup by Kyler Vosick thwarted Taft’s attempts to regain control.
Early Challenges and Adjustments
Taft started strong, with Jahvion Jarmon returning the opening kickoff 65 yards for a touchdown. They quickly extended their lead with a 41-yard scoring run by Mosanna Torbert and a 1-yard plunge from Damai Dowdell. However, Indian Valley’s defense stiffened, turning away multiple scoring opportunities and forcing Taft to abandon their inside running game in the second half.
Offensive Resilience
Kinsey, the only running back in the Mr. Football conversation, carried the load for Indian Valley. He finished with 32 carries for 171 hard-fought yards, battling a formidable Taft defensive front. His physicality and determination were evident, particularly during the game-clinching drive, where he made crucial runs behind strong blocking, including a pivotal 15-yard gain set up by Koy Haney.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Indian Valley advances to face Sandusky Perkins, who defeated defending state champion Cleveland Glenville. The Braves aim to complete their historic run with a championship, capping off a season defined by resilience and determination.
Indian Valley’s journey continues next Thursday in Canton, where they seek to etch their name in state history.
Photos by Carson Zoller