In most dual-quarterback systems, no matter the level, one (if not both) of the quarterbacks tend to have a more hostile tone towards the other, in attempts to win the starting job going forward. Such is not the case in Springfield High School, where Juniors Austyn Day and Kevontez "Box" Hudson have a relationship that goes beyond the game itself.
Day and Hudson's friendship stems from beyond the game as well, with their bond forming from an unlikely source: "I knew Box a few years ago, because he slid into my then-girlfriend's direct messages. When I found out I was going to Springfield, and that he played quarterback, I told him I was coming for his spot.". Box, whose nickname stems from his grandmother for his nosiness, was excited to see the then-Sophomore come into practice following their first encounter, "I wanted to see what he's got."
Hudson pleaded ignorance to Day's involvement in said relationship, and that the two quickly moved past that drama, and thus began a camaraderie that is noticeable on and off the field.
Austyn further elaborated on the duo's companionship: "When I first got to Springfield, we ended up having a class together. [Our friendship] was rocky at first, we barely said "what's up" to each other...but we found out we lived a street over from each other, which lead to us chilling on the weekends... now we do everything together."
Day, who departed from Hillwood High School as a Sophomore, was initially disappointed in the transfer from a "starting job for the next three years", but eventually grew to love the city of Springfield as time went on: "Once I got cool with the team, even though I didn't play any last year, I started to love them." Day went on to say that "there wouldn't be any other place I want to play right now, I love this team".
The former Hilltopper accredited much of the coaching staff at Hillwood to the fundamentals of his game, but attributed his growth as a quarterback to the coaches and players with the Jackets: "[Hillwood] drilled into my head that I could throw the ball from anywhere, but my game developed here at Springfield as a complete player".
Despite being unavailable for SHS the past two weeks, Austyn and Box believe that Oct. 11th against Montgomery Central and beyond, both QBs will see the field. Hudson insisted in saying "If anything, I know if we both don't play, I play defense also. [Austyn] is going to do his thing on offense if I don't."
Day harped on not playing in the 34-24 win against WHHS: "We really didn't have to throw the ball against White House, Box was in there doing his thing, and I wasn't mad. He got the hot hand, why change it?".
”Just knowing your role", Day continued: "I knew that I wasn't going to play a lot that week, so I had to just know my role and do whatever I could to help the team win". Day, who did not dress for Friday's game, continued to play an essential role off the field Homecoming night against Marshall County, grabbing a spare set of cleats for a teammate whose initial pair broke: "My teammate busted through his cleats, and I immediately thought of what type of shoes he wore and what size."
As district play sets the final stage of games for the Yellow Jackets, Kevontez Hudson and Austyn Day will be crucial for a playoff berth in any role: whether on offense or defense, on the field or on the sideline. No matter the outcome, position, or girl, brotherhood remains constant between both of these players, and will continue to do so throughout the next two years and beyond.
-Blaine Kellar is a Broadcasting and Journalism Intern for Social Dweebs, who has covered Springfield High School athletics since 2018.
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