Lineman Makes Big Statement for Kenston
Published in Chagrin Valley Times
September 30, 2005
By Mike Klimko
Lee Zamos grew up as the biggest kid in school. The only thing lacking in those formative years was the athleticism that would take the Kenston junior to prominence in football and basketball.
A thrower in middle school, the freshman gave up track to refine his skills as a post player in American Athletic Union basketball. The sophomore struggled with football injuries.
The junior has opponents cowering. Only the crazy or the foolish would dare take the brunt of punishment dealt by the Bombers two-way lineman at 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds.
"He's the one lineman that has caught my eye," Kenston coach Rick Adams said. "Number one, his size is a plus. This year, he has really exceeded my expectations. On offense, he has been a player of the week for us."
The Zamos factor proved infectious. Following the Chagrin Valley Conference opener with West Geauga, the honor went to the entire offensive line. The unit sprung Ross Alberts, Justin DeBaggis and Mike Fisher for more than 100 yards each.
As a result, the Bombers carried more than 1,000 rushing yards into last week's game at Aurora. The three backs were averaging more than 5.76 yards per carry. DeBaggis had been good for 9.11 yards a pop.
"At tackle, we pull him a lot," Adams said. "He's really got the knack of looking inside, when he pulls, on a play we call 'Redskin.' It's an old sweep from the Washington Redskins.
"We pull the guard and the tackle. He is really the strength of that play. Last year we had a hard time trying to run it. This year it's our main play. On pass blocking, Lee has good footwork and good technique.
"On defense, he has really stepped up at end. He had a great game against Chardon. Against the wing-T, the defensive end is the key. He can't bite on any of the fakes. And he didn't."
Zamos did not move into the role at end this season until other Bombers were sidelined by illness. The move did not require a transition. He played end in fifth grade.
At the end of last season, the first for Adams, the coach was uncertain the sophomore knew what to expect as a player. An injured knee and a broken thumb hindered the development of the prospect.
"I came back with a playing cast," Zamos said. "Missing time wasn't fun. I wanted to play. Coming into this season, Coach said the line would be our strength. In the spring, he told me that he wanted me to be a starter for him."
Adams can take credit for lighting the fuse of aspirations. Zamos hit the books and the weight room. He is a 4.0 student who believes he has a solid chance of moving on as a college player.
Zamos was content to live up to Bombers cohesiveness. The junior class has stepped up en masse as "family." The players are the same ones, he noted, from elementary school and the Kenston Athletic Association. And there's the future.
"Coach Adams was the first person to get the idea in my head of playing Division I football in college," he said. "It's something I want to pursue if I can. I always thought it would be cool. It would be a blast."
