The Key to Franklin County's win over a previously unbeaten Magna Vista team was Alexander Keys. The junior scored all three of his touchdowns in the second half to bring the Eagles from behind. He also topped the 200 mark while carrying it over 30 times.
"The next morning you do feel it a little bit you are really sore, but it is just natural instinct to carry the ball, and you really don't worry about the stats you just try and win the game," said Keys.
"He has had some good runs previously this year, I think he had 14 carries going into that game. Anytime you carry it 30 times a game that is tremendous effort," said Chris Jones.
Well Keys may have been a little sore, he made sure to spread that feeling around.
"He also finished the runs where he wasn't taking hits, the shoulder pads were down. I know a couple of runs he got 5 yards on his own just by staying low and fighting for extra yards and that is what a good running back does. The Y.A.C. goes a long way as a running back," said Jones.
Keys didn't play running back at all last year, so the expectation is for him to continue to improve as the season goes along.
"He showed flashes of greatness during the preseason, and he has the total package, it is just getting him to believe in it toughen him up, and he has all the skills he has only scratched the surface of how good he can be," said Jones.
Keys learning could be accelerated by his family. His father was a standout running back at UVA and led the Cavs in rushing in 1976.
"We go to the YMCA, and we work on moves and he stresses the cutback and everything like that he used to do in his days that made him tough and get him touchdowns and make him good," said Keys.
Alexander's dad isn't the only UVA football connection. His brother, Ray, is a walk-on wide receiver for the Cavs.
We talk football, and we talk other things about life and just general things about school things that will help me out in the future," said Keys.
