Observer Sports Spotlight: Matthew Kane

A linebacker for the Windermere Prep football team, Matthew Kane was part of a deciding moment during the Lakers’ big win against Foundation Academy Oct. 5. After teammate Kai Patterson knocked loose a fumble, Kane picked it up and ran it back for a touchdown — extending Windermere Prep’s lead to 21 points. On the season, Kane has 19 tackles — including eight tackles for a loss.

Tell us about the scoop-and-score touchdown against Foundation Academy.

Basically, I was in coverage, and I saw the ball completed, and I just pursued to the ball to make sure we get as many guys to the ball as possible. I see Kai (Patterson) make a really great play — he punches it out — and from there, instinct kicked in. I grabbed the ball and started running the fastest I ran all year, probably. Got there (to the end zone) and wanted to celebrate with my teammates.

What drew you to football?

I’ve been playing forever — my parents are both big football fans. I love the physicality of the game, and I love the brotherhood it creates. I’m close with every single player, from the kicker to the safety. … (Football) creates a schedule and a grind that I love.

How excited are you and the members of the team’s defense to play each week?

Since last year, there’s been an energy on defense that I’ve never felt anywhere else playing football. The new schemes, the constant pressure — it’s just bringing tons of energy. I think that every time we get out on the field we know we’re going to dominate.

Which teammate is the funniest?

Definitely Jonah Best. That’s my boy. He plays left guard, and he’s just a really funny guy and always makes me laugh — he keeps our spirits high.

What are you hoping to study in college?

I’m probably either going to go into business or finance — that’s what my parents did. My goal right now is to try and get into a high academic institution and play football there. I want to get my degree and set myself up for life.

What is the most interesting thing you’ve learned this year?

I’m going into the International Baccalaureate Diploma this year, and I’m taking IB Economics. It’s been an interesting class — we’ve been talking about philosophy of economics and all that stuff. It’s given me something I’m really interested in and also something I can apply to my life. I think it’s just given me a taste of what I want to do in college.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned about economics?

I’m really interested in free-market capitalism and how that applies, competition. We’ve learned about elasticity versus inelasticity, how goods transfer in the market, based on demand. We can apply that — we learn about that in the classroom and then when you are at the store, you can see how a price changes. 

What do you like to do with your downtime?

I love going to sports games and watching my siblings. My sister, Julia Kane, she’s in eighth grade and plays varsity volleyball, so I’m always at her games.