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Duncan, Reynolds Had Instant Bond

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By EDDIE DANIELS

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 3, 2008

WESLEY CHAPEL - During the second half of the 2007-08 school year, Arron Duncan walked into the Wesley Chapel lunchroom, a fresh face on campus.

At the time, he was an Armwood transfer.

During that lunch period, he met Keenan Reynolds and the two played a card game inside the lunchroom with other students. From that point on, a bond took hold.

As the two talked, they found much more in common than a game of spades.

"We were playing spades and we started talking about football," Reynolds recalled. "We found we would be playing the same position, so we just started talking from there."

The chemistry the two have built during time became apparent as Duncan jumped into the conversation. "Then I found out he played mostly cornerback and I played safety."

The seniors will share time in the defensive backfield, the offensive backfield as running backs and will also return kicks on the kickoff return unit.

When they get into the backfield, only one can get the ball. Not even that will be an issue.

"But we can pitch it," Duncan said laughing.

"They have to feed off each other," Wesley Chapel coach John Castelamare said. "Especially when one does well in a game, it seems like they pat each other around. Defensively, they're basically on the same side of the field, so they'll work together.

"They have some God-given talent where they can move around. When they get the ball in their hands, they're going to be dangerous. When it gets in their hands, whether it be kickoff return, a catch or interception, they're going to be tough to catch."

Communication won't be much of an issue as the two have competed not just on the video screen, playing John Madden's series of NFL football games, or even at the card table. They paired up during this summer's 7-on-7 passing league and caught a glimpse of what to expect.

"On defense, he and I are so close that I already know what he's going to do," Reynolds said.

The transition from the Armwood version of blue to the Wesley Chapel version of that hue hasn't been a problem.

"The coaches have showed me so much love here, I feel like I'm home," Duncan said. "Everything just feels right."

Not only has Duncan been accepted with open arms, but also he unseated Wildcat Ironman champion Hunter Joyer during the Wesley Chapel event held in August.

"I just try to go in there and push myself harder than the day before. As I'm doing that I'm trying to make sure everyone else isn't slacking," Duncan said. "The Ironman thing I didn't take it to the head because I think if Hunter had did it, he would have won the whole thing."

Of the many expectations the two have, they know it won't happen unless it's a team effort.

"You can ask any coach, I tell them you can put me anywhere. Linebacker, defensive line, offensive line, fullback, it doesn't matter," Duncan said. "As long as you put me somewhere where I can help the team, as long as we win, it doesn't matter. I want everybody to have the same mind-set. I want everybody to make sure that wherever they see a gap, fill it. That's all I'm trying to do."

Added Reynolds: "I want everybody to come together as a team, a family atmosphere and have the same mentality."

Once Duncan and Reynolds were done delivering their philosophy on team football, it was clear what was next.

"Right after practice, we're getting on 'Madden' and 'Halo'," Duncan said laughing.

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