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Beyond The Whistle: How Mason Kennedy Is Preparing For High School Football In The Off-Season

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Atlanta, GA – At just 14 years old, Mason Kennedy is already making waves on the football field. The standout 8th-grade linebacker has quickly built a reputation for his versatility, quickness, and great work ethic. Playing for the North Clayton Middle School Tigers, Kennedy recorded 40 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 pick-six. Standing 5’8 , Kennedy combined his physicality and high football IQ to consistently put himself in the right position to make big plays.

We Speak Media Sports would like to introduce you to Mason Kennedy.

Mason, how do you balance training with academics and personal life?
I prioritize by planning ahead using a calendar or planner to schedule my workouts, study sessions, and important personal time. I also make time to rest and spend time with family and friends so I don’t burn out. Staying focused on my goals helps me stay motivated, even when things get busy.

Who do you train with during the off-season? Do you have a mentor or trainer?
My mentor is my father, we plan my workouts and meals together. My mom helps by meal prepping, and l’ve had an amazing trainer for years. I can’t give you his name though… I can’t reveal all my secrets!

What’s your favorite part about football that keeps you coming back?
The thing that keeps me coming back is the adrenaline and physicality. There’s nothing like the rush of competition and the feeling of pushing my body to the limit. It’s where I feel most alive.

How do you stay mentally sharp and focused when games aren’t being played?
Watching film and staying locked in helps me stay focused, even when games aren’t scheduled.

What college or post-high school football goals do you have?
My goal post high school is to attend LSU or the University of Georgia. I’d love to get drafted, but if that doesn’t happen, I want to open my own training facility and help the next generation of athletes reach their full potential.

What kind of diet or nutrition plan are you following now?
Right now l’m focused on clean bulking, so l’m eating a lot of high-protein meals with quality carbs and healthy fats.

What lessons did you take away from last season?
The lessons I took away from last season were that every thing happens for a reason, and you can improve off your mistakes.

Is there a moment from last season that stands out to you?
A moment that stands out is earning MVP in the state championship it was a proud reminder of the work I’ve put in.

How do you deal with pressure and expectations from coaches or peers?
I deal with pressure by staying grounded and remembering my limits. I stay mindful of what I can control, pace myself, and focus on progress not perfection. That helps me stay locked in without burning out.

Are there any teammates you think will have a breakout season next year?
He’s not my teammate, but Xorian Myton aka Dash. I think he’s going to have a big breakout year next season. His potential is crazy.

Have you been contacted by any recruiters or started thinking about your next steps?
I’ve been contacted by several high school coaches, and my next step is to gain more exposure. I’m focused on showcasing my talent, staying consistent, and making sure the right people see my work.

What are you most excited about for the upcoming season?
I’m most excited to showcase my skills. Playing at the high school level is a big step, and I’m looking forward to the competition and the exposure. I’ve been working hard and preparing for this moment.

How are you staying in shape during the off-season?
I work out and run everyday. I try to eat clean and by just simply staying active.

Are you watching or studying any pro or college players for inspiration?
I study film on Ray Lewis.

What motivates you to keep pushing during the off-season?
My siblings motivate me because I want to be the best role model for them and show them what’s possible with hard work.

Whether you’re a coach, athlete, parent, or sports fan, I’d love to hear from you. Have a story idea? Want to collaborate on coverage? Looking to feature your team or athlete? Use the form below to get in touch.

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Flagged for Greatness: The Relentless Rise of Azaria ‘Z.6’ Moore

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Azaria “Z.6” Moore is a rising athlete in the world of Flag Football, known for her fierce grit, game-changing speed, and unwavering leadership on and off the field. A dynamic presence in the Elite 7-on-7 circuit, Moore has carved out a name for herself as a standout rusher and all-around athlete, representing her city with pride and heart. While she hasn’t committed to a school yet, her talent has already earned her collegiate offers from Purdue University, Northwestern, and Mars Hill University. Whether she’s rallying her team before a big tournament or grinding through the off-season, Moore brings passion, purpose, and poise every step of the way.

What inspired you to start playing football, and how did you get involved with 7-on-7 or Flag Football?
I always wanted to be a flag football athlete, but my city didn’t offer it as an actual sport, only as powder puff. Coach Jared from Bryant & Stratton saw me play and gave me a chance to showcase my talents. Thanks to him, I got the opportunity to play in college.

How has playing in the Elite 7-on-7 or Flag Football program helped shape your identity as a player?
Flag Football has changed my life for the better. It taught me discipline, grit, and how my actions off the field can impact my performance on it. It’s helped put me and my city on the map, not just as an athlete but as a person, too.

How do you prepare mentally for big tournaments?
First, I always believe that if you look good, you feel good. So I put on my jersey, gear up, do my makeup and eyeblack, and play music. That helps me feel confident. But most importantly, I talk to God and my parents. Even though they aren’t here physically, speaking to them spiritually brings me peace and strength.

What’s your pregame routine or hype music?
My pregame routine usually includes hyping up with my teammates. One of our go-to songs is “First Day Out” by Tee Grizzley. That always gets us in the zone.

What’s your mindset when you step onto the field?
It’s you vs. you. If I mess up, it affects my whole team. So my mindset is to do my job so my teammates can do theirs.

How do you stay motivated during the off-season and intense training periods?
I stay focused on the type of athlete and person I want to become. I remind myself that someone else is always out there grinding, even when I’m not. That drives me to keep going.

Who is your biggest influence on or off the field and why?
My biggest influences are my siblings and my city. I know I’m always being watched, even when it doesn’t feel like it. I can’t give up on myself, because if I do, someone else might lose hope too—and I could be all they have.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned through this program?
If you can’t play as a team, you can’t be on a team.

How do the coaches and mentors in this program impact your development?
Being an athlete takes a toll mentally and emotionally. Coaches play a big role—not just in teaching, but in offering support. Sometimes, they’re all we have, and it means everything to feel seen by them.

What does it mean to you to represent your team in Elite 7-on-7 or Flag Football tournaments?
People might see individual plays, but it takes a team to win. Even during losses, I try to lead by example and keep my head up so my teammates can do the same.

How do you bounce back after a tough loss or mistake?
I hit the field or weight room even harder. I also watch film to break down my mistakes and make sure I learn from them.

What motivates you to keep grinding during the off-season?
Flag Football feels like home to me. When I’m not in season, I miss it so much that I go out and work on my craft on my own.

What’s your dream school or team you’d love to play for one day?
Honestly, I don’t have a dream team. I put it all in God’s hands. I trust that wherever I end up is where I’m meant to be.

What do you do for fun when you’re not playing football?
I love trying new foods, traveling, and getting tattoos—it’s my way of telling a story. I also really enjoy sleeping, especially since athletes never seem to get enough of it.

How have your coaches and parents helped you grow as a player and person, both on and off the field?
They hold me accountable. Even when I’m doing well, they push me to stay on track. It’s helped me develop a habit of getting things done before being asked.

How do you handle pressure or adversity during high-stakes games?
Pressure makes me want to go even harder. I’ve dealt with a lot, so I try to put everything on the field. Taking deep breaths helps me reset and stay locked in.

What’s your favorite route to run (or coverage to play) and why?
I love rushing with a 2-count delay. It throws off the quarterback and gives us an edge.

What are your short-term and long-term football goals?
Short-term, I want to make as many memories as I can. New athletes come and go, so I want to cherish the moments. Long-term, I just want to leave a mark—whether it’s as an athlete or as a person.

How do you build chemistry and trust with your teammates in such a fast-paced format?
Communication is key. Getting to know my teammates as people helps me understand their strengths, and that builds real trust.

What advice would you give to younger players who want to join a program like this?
It’s never too early or too late to start. Don’t give up on something you love. You never know when or where it could take you, so try everything and give it your all.

Whether you’re a coach, athlete, parent, or sports fan, I’d love to hear from you. Have a story idea? Want to collaborate on coverage? Looking to feature your team or athlete? Use the form below to get in touch.

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