Dewalt a pillar of strength for Statesville Christian
Three years ago, a brawny West Iredell freshman inquired about Statesville Christian football.
Kevin Dewalt’s initial email went to the school principal who relayed the message to head football coach Angelo Cox.
A brand new program needs players, and Dewalt was shopping. The duo began a dialogue, and Dewalt invited Cox to his house.
From that moment things changed, according to Cox.
“I knew something special was getting ready to happen,” Cox said. “I just knew I had a special young man. He did all his paperwork himself, from admissions to financial aid and so on. I could tell I had a leader.”
As the son of a single mother and a father who is not involved in his life, Dewalt learned to take initiative for the betterment of himself and his family. On practice days, following school, Dewalt reports to his job at Food Lion where he works until 11 p.m.
“My mom raised me to be a man,” Dewalt said. “I could ask for money from her, but I wanted to be a man. I wanted to earn it on my own and help out.”
Life has thrown its fair share of curveballs at Dewalt. When he was younger he witnessed his sister’s murder.
“Here’s a kid who has gone through adversity and proven you can accomplish anything,” Cox said. “He wants a better life. That just changes the game.”
Dewalt has been a game changer, particularly on defense, since donning the Lions uniform in 2015.
The 6-foot, 290-pound defensive tackle, who doubles as an offensive lineman, finished his junior year with nine tackles for loss and eight sacks. Aided by his bulldog mentality up front, Statesville Christian shut out four opponents on its way to a 12-2 record that culminated with the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association Division III state championship.
Interestingly enough, he excelled as a running back at West Iredell Middle School.
“I like hitting people,” Dewalt said, cracking a smile. “I knew defensive line was where I was supposed to be. I could hit somebody and not get in trouble.”
He already has six tackles for loss and three sacks through the first four games this season. Dewalt shined during one of the most hyped contests in Statesville Christian football’s brief history and did so despite not being 100 percent.
A nagging left shoulder injury got worse in the second quarter Sept. 8 at defending NCISAA Division I state champion Charlotte Latin.
The pain didn’t go unnoticed. Cox was ready to take Dewalt out of the game.
“He said, ‘Coach, I’m going back out there,’” Cox said.
At halftime, the trainer wrapped the ailing shoulder to fit under his pads in a manner that still permitted mobility in the arm.
His productivity didn’t suffer as a result of the unfortunate circumstance.
“It was the biggest game of my life,” Dewalt said. “That just made me want to play harder.”
He finished with 16 tackles—three for losses—and a sack in the 21-3 victory over previously-unbeaten Charlotte Latin.
“He was everywhere,” Cox said.
If only the senior could stay put when the season is complete.
Cox will miss this program pillar.
“It’s my hope there are more Kevin Dewalts out there,” Cox said.
Three years ago, a brawny West Iredell freshman inquired about Statesville Christian football.
Kevin Dewalt’s initial email went to the school principal who relayed the message to head football coach Angelo Cox.
A brand new program needs players, and Dewalt was shopping. The duo began a dialogue, and Dewalt invited Cox to his house.
From that moment things changed, according to Cox.
“I knew something special was getting ready to happen,” Cox said. “I just knew I had a special young man. He did all his paperwork himself, from admissions to financial aid and so on. I could tell I had a leader.”
As the son of a single mother and a father who is not involved in his life, Dewalt learned to take initiative for the betterment of himself and his family. On practice days, following school, Dewalt reports to his job at Food Lion where he works until 11 p.m.
“My mom raised me to be a man,” Dewalt said. “I could ask for money from her, but I wanted to be a man. I wanted to earn it on my own and help out.”
Life has thrown its fair share of curveballs at Dewalt. When he was younger he witnessed his sister’s murder.
“Here’s a kid who has gone through adversity and proven you can accomplish anything,” Cox said. “He wants a better life. That just changes the game.”
Dewalt has been a game changer, particularly on defense, since donning the Lions uniform in 2015.
The 6-foot, 290-pound defensive tackle, who doubles as an offensive lineman, finished his junior year with nine tackles for loss and eight sacks. Aided by his bulldog mentality up front, Statesville Christian shut out four opponents on its way to a 12-2 record that culminated with the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association Division III state championship.
Interestingly enough, he excelled as a running back at West Iredell Middle School.
“I like hitting people,” Dewalt said, cracking a smile. “I knew defensive line was where I was supposed to be. I could hit somebody and not get in trouble.”
He already has six tackles for loss and three sacks through the first four games this season. Dewalt shined during one of the most hyped contests in Statesville Christian football’s brief history and did so despite not being 100 percent.
A nagging left shoulder injury got worse in the second quarter Sept. 8 at defending NCISAA Division I state champion Charlotte Latin.
The pain didn’t go unnoticed. Cox was ready to take Dewalt out of the game.
“He said, ‘Coach, I’m going back out there,’” Cox said.
At halftime, the trainer wrapped the ailing shoulder to fit under his pads in a manner that still permitted mobility in the arm.
His productivity didn’t suffer as a result of the unfortunate circumstance.
“It was the biggest game of my life,” Dewalt said. “That just made me want to play harder.”
He finished with 16 tackles—three for losses—and a sack in the 21-3 victory over previously-unbeaten Charlotte Latin.
“He was everywhere,” Cox said.
If only the senior could stay put when the season is complete.
Cox will miss this program pillar.
“It’s my hope there are more Kevin Dewalts out there,” Cox said.
