Too small. Undeserving of a spot. Not good enough.

The predetermined labels for a freshman athlete on varsity are endless. Unlike other varsity sports, football hardly ever calls up its freshman players, due to a lack of experience and potential for a size complication. If one freshman on varsity is a scarcity, then the two on KHS’ is unprecedented in school history.

“Both Miles Beattie and Reece Goddard are in the mix of the varsity team based on their work over the summer and the gaps [in positions] that we have,” Matt Irvin, varsity football head coach, said. “What separates them from other freshmen is their ability to learn and the ability to play the schemes we have and execute them at a high level. We think they could complement what we’re doing at the varsity level.”

Beattie, offensive lineman, and Goddard, quarterback, are not only the first freshmen to have a spot on the varsity roster since Irvin’s arrival at KHS in 2010, they are the first to do so since Jeremy Maclin in 2002.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for them. It’s a great chance to learn and just a great experience,” Connor Scott, senior tight end, said. “When I was a freshman, I played freshman football. Back then they rarely brought guys up to JV or varsity.”

For Beattie and Goddard, football runs in the family. Beattie’s brother Luke, 2013 graduate, also played on the offensive line and was a member of the 2013 KHS state championship team. Goddard serves as the offensive counterpart to his brother Blake, senior quarterback and linebacker.

Even with this jump start in their high school football careers, the two freshmen still face adversity. Players 50 pounds heavier, four inches taller and better accustomed to the game stifle their initial path to football mastery.

“[Varsity football] is a lot faster, everyone is a lot bigger, and it is more intense [than what I’ve played at in previous years],” Beattie said. “Obviously, I’m not as mature or as strong as some of the other guys, but I think I’ll be alright.”

Both participated in the Football Jamboree at KHS Aug. 23, adding to their varsity experience. Beattie played a few snaps in KHS’ game against Pattonville Aug. 30, however a pinched nerve has kept Goddard out.

“I think I’m just as prepared as anyone else,” Goddard said. “It’s very exciting and definitely a big change from any other level of football [that I’ve played in].”

Throughout the course of the 2013-2014 season, Beattie and Goddard will play with both junior varsity and varsity, mainly practicing with varsity. The two lead the JV team to a 26-19 victory over Pattonville Sept. 3.

“They’re learning, and it’s a long process. They both have great attitudes and approach [their situations] the way you want them to approach it,” Irvin said.
Being at such a high level as freshmen, the duo seemingly have set a precedent for future freshmen Pioneer football players.

“It definitely gives [freshmen in the future] something to strive for. They can look at the guys now and see that they’re on varsity. It will definitely give them something to work toward,” Scott said.

“A lot of people would love to be where I am,” Beattie said. “It’s crazy. It’s like a dream come true. I didn’t think I’d be [here].”