By K.D. Norris
Wyoming Lee and Godwin Heights High Schools not only share spots in the current OK Silver conference but have a long history of friendly competition on the football field as cross-town rivals.
So when the Rebels invade Wolverine territory this week, it will be for bragging rights among friends in some cases, such as between Lee senior Nalin Mena and Godwin senior Deamonte Clark.
Clark, a running back and cornerback, is childhood friends with Mena, a team captain, receiver and safety. And Clark knows Mena and his Rebel teammates will show up despite Godwin (5-3) playing for a playoff spot while Lee (1-7) is playing to end the season on high note.
“Nalin Mena is going to give it all he’s got, so we have to give it all we got,” Clark told WKTV this week. (See WKTV’s story and video on Godwin Heights here.)
Lee’s coach Tom DeGennaro, looking at his key seniors who will be playing their last game this week, could not agree with Clark more.
Mena “is the emotional leader, the best player on the team — leads the team in tackles, interceptions, receiving yardage,” DeGennaro told WKTV. “Type of kid you wish you had 11 of them to play for you.
“He is willing to do anything for his teammates, and has been on the varsity for all four years. Don’t judge him by his size, (5-foot-7, 140 pounds), he is a big time player. (And he is) better then 3.0 in the classroom.”
Big game, but also a special effort for kids in need
DeGennaro also praised three other seniors: Ruben Blanco, a tight end and defensive end; Eddie Carter-Cook, a offensive and defensive tackle; and Alan Jimenez, an offensive and defensive guard.
Blanco (6-1 and 260, and also better than 3.0 in the classroom) is a captain and 4-year year starter who was all-conference his freshman year. He played offensive tackle his first three years and switched to tight end this year.
“He has caught at least one pass in every game,” DeGennaro said. “The last two years we had zero receptions by our tight ends. He is a big time blocker and a force on defense. He will be playing somewhere next year on Saturdays.”
Carter-Cook (6-4 and 285, also better than 3.0) is a captain who transferred from Arizona his sophomore year and never played football before.
“He is a great run blocker, a big force on the offensive line,” DeGennaro said. “When he and Alan or Ruben double team somebody they stay blocked. (He) could be playing next year on Saturdays.”
Jimenez (5-10 and 225, also better than 3.0) is a 4-year starter who has committed to the United States Marine Corps next year.
“He is an awesome football player who also wrestles and throws shot put,” DeGennaro said. “He is a very quiet kid who leads by example.”
Other seniors on the Lee team include running back/defensive back Carlos Savala, full back/linebacker Alfredo Corbera and full back/linebacker Joe Broca.
WKTV coverage plans for Friday, Oct. 19
The WKTV sports truck can not be at two places at once, but we are planning to come close. WKTV will have sports crews out at both the Rockford at East Kentwood game, and the Lee at Godwin Heights game, on Friday, Oct. 19.
The East Kentwood game will be rebroadcast in its entirety on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T U-Verse Community 99 on the night of the game (Friday) at 11 p.m. and Saturday starting at 11 a.m.
Highlights of the game at Godwin Heights will be up on WKTV’s YouTube channel early next week. Check it out at WKTVvideos on YouTube.
WKTV will also be doing Facebook Live reports from both games. Check them out at WKTV.org on Facebook.
See WKTVjournal.org/sports for complete high school sports schedules.
WKTV’s coverage of high school sports and select community events are also available on-demand within a week of the event at wktvondemand.com.
