UNION SPRINGS - The season has gotten off to a fine start for the Southern Springs varsity football squad.

Last Saturday, the team took home its first win of the season over Harpursville, 28-20.

And Southern Springs made its presence known early in the game with an opening 79-yard kick off return for a touchdown by Bryan McClary.

"He has a bunch of talent," coach Jay Noonan said. "He returned the opening kickoff, of the opening game, the very first play. It was great to see him up there on that play. He has a lot of speed, he's faster and he is getting stronger."

McClary is proud of the play, but says it wouldn't be possible without the support of a great line.

"It felt good," McClary said. "But if the kickoff team wasn't there to block, it would be over. So I have to thank my team more than myself."

McClary said he grew up playing football, like most children in the backyard, but he got his real start as the Southern Springs program got its start.

"I've always liked playing," McClary said. "So when I heard there was going to be a modified team, I figured I might as well give it a shot."

Coaching that first team was Noonan, who said he saw a unique ability in McClary.

"I remember watching him in elementary school," Noonan said. "And even then he was remarkable and since then I've been watching him develop."

Over the years of working together McClary said he has grown accustomed to Noonan's style on the field.

"He can get on you," McClary said. "But you know that he is only doing it for the good of you and the team."

After 7th grade, McClary moved to Georgia, where he didn't get the opportunity to play football, but was excited when he moved back to Union Springs and knew he would be able to pursue the game.

"There were issues that prevented me from playing," McClary said. "Coming back here it was great to be able to play sports again and I moved right to the varsity."

Jumping right to the varsity after not playing for a few seasons was a big transition, but McClary said he had a lot of support.

"It was tough," McClary said. "But my teammates were there pushing me and telling me to hang in there, they are big help."

The Southern Springs program has been alive for five seasons and with each the program gets stronger.

Noonan said he looks to his more experienced senior players, like McClary to be leaders on and off the field.

"We're still young," Noonan said. "Something I stressed with the seniors at our first meeting was what I wanted them to do with the younger guys. They've watched and now they know what to do."

McClary describes himself as shy and quiet, but when it comes to the game, he knows what to say.

"I don't talk much," McClary said. "But I try to make a big impact and to be there when my teammates need me and help put and make the job of everyone on the team a little easier."

McClary is a dedicated athlete, who also plays varsity basketball and runs track; he also spent the offseason doing more weightlifting to get stronger and build up his speed,

"It helps to do all of this to keep in shape," McClary said. "I'm always trying to get faster."

The hard work has shone through.

"He knows how to run," Noonan said. "He has worked hard and he has gotten stronger and faster."

With all of McClary's natural abilities, Noonan has high hopes for this season.

"He has good hands," Noonan said. "I'd like him to get to the outside more and get him more passes in the open field with his speed and ability to move I'd definitely like to get him more out there."

McClary is flattered by his success, but stresses what he does helps the team.

"It's cool," McClary said. "My success, but it wouldn't be as good with out everybody on this team. So I have to give credit to all of them."

This will be McClary's last season with Southern Springs and he has his mind set on one accomplishment that has eluded the team for the past three seasons.

"We haven't had a winning season," McClary said. "So I'd like to see us end up good with a winning season. On this team we have a lot of trust in everybody and we know we can count on each other to make the play or the first down. I think this team has what it takes to go undefeated."

Next year McClary plans to continue on with college and said he'd be glad to keep playing football.

"I want to study criminal justice," McClary said. "I'd definitely like to keep playing in school too."

Noonan said McClary has what it takes to get where he wants to go.

"He has a lot of potential," Noonan said. "He could play at the next level, whether it is Division III or higher, he could play at the next level it is all up to him."