KEYSTONE HEIGHTS - At about 105 pounds soaking wet, Keystone Heights High freshman Karmyn Finch says she doesn't shy away from mixing it up with the boys of the Indians' football.
"I tell you what, we've had girls play football at Keystone Heights over the years and Finch doesn't shy away from the drill, she doesn't shy away from live reps," Keystone Heights High coach Steve Reynolds, about one of the smallest, but maybe the most courageous of his small, but strong-willed football team. "She definitely doesn't shy away from contact."
For Finch, a freshman looking to play wide receiver or defensive back for Reynolds' varsity team, said that a challenge by her dad, Forest, was what put her on the baseball field first, then the football field.
"I like the fight and the thrill of competing on the field, 'My dad told me I couldn't play and a few years later, I joined a team my uncle coached and I almost quit, but I learned to love it.'"
Finch, donning high top red Converse sneakers during media day at Keystone Heights High, said most of the boys on the team don't even think about what or who is in the pads and jerseys of football.

"When the high school practice started, I was a little worried, but coach Reynolds told me I had enough pads around me to protect me if I used good technique," said Finch. "I know I'm not going to hit a guy harder than a guy can hit me, but I'm going to get my shot in."
Reynolds assured Finch during her early sessions that her pads would protect her.
"When I told her she was wearing about $800 worth of pads and equipment, I think she lost a little bit of her hesitation," said Reynolds. "From there, she has been a pretty good football player."
Finch and Reynolds both think that the boys on the team would defend an opposing player from going a little overboard on their small-sized teammate.'
"We haven't had that situation happen yet, but, even with a smaller player, the team would respond if a big guy decided to take a cheap shot," said Reynolds. "These boys may not admit it, but they got their eye on her if that happens. They got her back, I think."
Finch won a goal line tackling drill recently, said Reynolds.
"I don't think they back off in practice," said Finch. "I don't hold back."