UPDATE: In a thrilling finish, Kyle Donahue of San Juan Hills clinched a 28-27 victory over Downey with a dramatic last-second 24-yard field goal during the Southern Section Division 2 playoffs on November 3, 2023.
With only seconds remaining in the game, Donahue stepped up to deliver the decisive kick after a timeout attempt by Downey to disrupt his focus. Initially converting the kick, he faced a penalty but remained unfazed, successfully executing the second attempt. “It was an amazing feeling,” Donahue recounted, clearly thrilled by his clutch performance.
Donahue’s rise as a key player this season is remarkable. The 17-year-old senior has achieved an impressive 11 of 13 field goals and has successfully completed 93% of his kickoffs for touchbacks. “He’s proven to be accurate and clutch,” said Robert Frith, head coach of San Juan Hills, recognizing Donahue’s significant contributions to the team.
Having played soccer for over a decade, Donahue only began focusing on football kicking in high school. This year marks his first as the starting kicker, and he is determined to make the most of it. “I love it,” he stated, expressing his passion for the sport.
Looking ahead, San Juan Hills faces a challenging match against Los Alamitos next Friday. Despite potential rain in the forecast, Donahue remains confident, noting, “I feel great in all conditions. I’ve kicked in rain before.”
This remarkable performance not only highlights Donahue’s talent but also serves as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere. As he continues to shine on the field, fans and teammates alike are eager to see what he will accomplish next.
This report underscores the excitement surrounding high school sports and the incredible determination of its athletes. Stay tuned for more updates on Donahue and the San Juan Hills team as they fight for playoff glory.
