Scioto’s Jack McKee Is Still Leading

Dublin — As a senior for the Dublin Scioto Irish, quarterback Jack McKee spent his summer building up for one last run before heading to college. In his mind, the Irish are built for a run in the postseason.

“I stacked days throughout the summer to get better, which would then help us accomplish our goals,” McKee said. “Winning the OCC, beating Kilbourne, and making a state playoff run.”

Then, the worst fear for a machine like McKee struck him against Thomas Worthington: An injury that originally felt like a sprain was soon discovered to be much worse than that.

Rather than a sprained ankle like McKee reported, the Irish team doctor knew from just looking at his leg that something bigger was going on.

“She came over and said that she won’t tell us it is broken because we don’t have an x-ray,” McKee recalled. “But that is broken.”

Now, with an injury projected to keeping him out until the final couple weeks of the season, McKee has had to shift his attention on how to lead from a sideline rather than under center.

Junior Grady McMillen has taken over McKee’s duties at quarterback for Scioto, and McKee has found himself in a position to help him and others as he recovers from his injury.

McKee feels a purpose from being on the sidelines and doing what he can to help the Irish as they navigate their path ahead.

“They’ve been through the mud with me this whole summer, so to be here for them is huge,” he said. “Hyping them up, calming them down, and just be a leader on the sideline.”

Meanwhile, McKee has been impressed with McMillen and the leadership he has taken on after having to take the reins.

“He has been planning on how to help the team and make everyone better around him,” McKee says.” I’ve seen him grow in confidence, leadership, and commanding the huddle. He has done a great job at doing what he needs to do.”

McKee is on track to return in Week 9 and recently got his stitches out from his surgery. He is focused on taking each step at a time and shooting for the stars. McKee’s ultimate dream is to play in the NFL, and his positive mindset will guide him.

“I believe that everything happens for a reason and something positive will come from this injury,” he said. “Playing in the NFL has been a dream since I was a little kid and I am just taking the steps I need to.”