Joe May in action earlier this season.
Kyle Lovern
Sports Editor
Mingo Central all-purpose back Joe May has racked up some impressive offensive statistics this season. In only four games he has scored 11 touchdowns and amassed lots of rushing yards on offense.
Breaking it down, May has 634 rushing yards, 141 passing yards on 11 catches and close to 1,000 all-purpose yards. The speedy team captain leads the team by example and in the locker room according to Coach Yogi Kinder, who has nothing but praise for the 5-8, 165 pound tailback.
May has two punt returns for scores, one kickoff return and also has three 2-point conversions. He has scored 69 total points in just four games.
“His attitude has made him,” Kinder said. “That will take you a long, long way. He never complains – day in – day out, he comes to play.”
“If we lost Joe, we would be hurting,” Kinder added. “He does so much for this team.”
Kinder said if you put him on any team in the state or region, he would have similar performances, if not better. His last game, a Miners win over Man, May had 385 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns, including a pair of long punt returns.
Mingo Central assistant coach and offensive coordinator Joey Fields is one of May’s biggest fans.
“I’ve enjoyed coaching Joe - he’s not only a Friday night player - he comes to work every day in practice. That’s what good players do. He’d as much rather block for someone than run a touchdown. He’s a great leader and deserves everything he gets,” Fields said.
Kinder said he saw something special in May when he was only a 9th grader at Matewan. “He wasn’t ready to play, but we didn’t have a lot of players and had to put him in there.”
“He always tries hard and the kids look up to him,” Kinder added. “All the kids like him. He just wants to win. He doesn’t care about the personal stats. He would just as soon throw a good block for someone else as to score.”
“Joe sets a good example,” Kinder said.
May has worked hard in the weight room to make himself stronger, despite his smaller frame. He has very good speed and hits the seam quickly, according to the Mingo Central coaching staff.
A second team Class AA All-state selection last year, May was a pre-season first team All-state pick this year by the Charleston Daily Mail.
Kinder feels like May should be a first team All-state choice this season.
The Miners are currently ranked No. 7 in Class AA in the WVSSAC rankings and have a record of 3-1. They have their toughest test to date as they travel to Wayne (4-0, No. 2) on Friday night to take on the defending state champions.
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