In a senior season supposedly set for sweetness, Kyle Yount’s 2009 had instead turned sour and bitter.
Coming off a 2,000-yard passing season in 2008, Yount was again annoited Chandler’s starting quarterback to start this season, but Brett Hundley’s athleticism and ability flickered late in 2008 and the Wolves knew his capabilities.
The change came during the Centennial blowout in Week 2, and Yount was obviously livid. He was moved to wide receiver (with an occasional snap at QB) and was invisible for a couple weeks.
Three weeks ago he made a presence against Mesa Red Mountain with a couple receptions as the Wolves rolled, and sent a text message to Chandler coach Jim Ewan’s wife saying it was the first time this season he’d left the locker room feeling good about himself.
“He’s such an upbeat kid, and, make no mistake, (the switch) hurt him and it ate at him,” Jim Ewan said. “But he’s done himself good by being such a team-first kid.”
Same thing happened against Phoenix Desert Vista last week, but Yount’s best game - regardless of position - came Friday night against Mesa Mountain View.
From his wide receiver position, he threw a perfect 34-yard touchdown pass to Michael Okonkwo on a trick play in the second quarter. He also caught four passes for 33 yards, including a 10-yard touchdown catch from Hundley midway through the fourth quarter to give Chandler a 45-35 lead it would need.
Yount took a clean, punishing hit from the Toros secondary in the end zone but hung onto the ball, cleared the cobwebs and promptly kicked the extra point as an emergency fill-in for the injured Logan Spears. He doesn’t have great speed or separation, but is a big target (6-foot-2) and can benefit underneath from the Wolves other vertical threats.
Yount and the Wolves have also benefited from some perspective. Chandler has a great chance to win out this regular season and host a playoff game not only because of Hundley’s remarkable talent, but because his predecessor ultimately chose winning over sulking and sympathy cards.
“Kyle’s my guy,” Hundley said. “I give him all my respect. He’s earned the ball and played his butt off.”
