Senior offensive right tackle Jayce Kern runs with the offense to the 50 yard line and gets in position by putting one hand down on the turf. He listens for any audibles from Senior quarterback Greg Menne. Kern stays in position like a frozen snowman on watch in a front yard. Finally, Menne slaps his hands and the ball is snapped. Kern fades back into pass protection, while Menne launches the ball to one of his open receivers.

Kern preps himself before games by plugging his headphones into his phone and watching highlights or film on the other team. He feels a lot of nostalgia about finishing up his high school athletic career. 

“It’s kinda sad since I’ve been doing it my whole life,” Kern said.

Kern plans to go to college and wants to go to Ohio State but said “realistically I might go to Simpson College (IA).” Junior running back Jeffery Alexander enjoys having Kern block for him. 

“I can definitely count on him to block for me because I know he will do his best and try his hardest no matter what,” Alexander said. 

Kern has been a starting offensive lineman for two years. Last year he helped the team amass 4,607 total yards. Senior Brooke Bunting feels Kern has a good work ethic. 

“Jayce Kern has been working super hard on his football career and has improved each year since he started playing football and hasn’t stopped trying to improve,” Bunting said.

Kerns favorite subject in school is history. He has never given up on football no matter how hard it has gotten. He stresses the importance of taking nothing for granted. 

“Take every opportunity you are given because it goes by fast,” Kern said.

The crowd erupts into a frenzy as Sophomore running back Ryver Peppers catches Menne’s pass and scores a TD. Kern sprints down the field to greet Peppers in the endzone. He grabs Peppers under the shoulders and lifts him into the air in celebration. After he returns Peppers to the ground he hustles to his position to get ready for the next play.