Ranch's Hathaway runs wild

LAKEWOOD RANCH — As a linebacker, Lakewood Ranch’s McKenize Hathaway spent most of his high school football career running at — and into — his opponents.

But now, with the senior at the running back position, he’s charged with the opposite task.

“I’m working on running away from people instead of at them,” Hathaway said. “I still tend to do that more than I should.”

Perhaps, but Hathaway’s stats beg to differ. Since the start of the season, Hathaway has piled up nearly 400 yard and four touchdowns — admirable numbers for any tailback, much less one who just took the position only three months ago.

In June, Hathaway traveled to Appalachian State University with his teammates for a summer camp. He went up as a linebacker; but after filling in at running back for an injured teammate, Hathaway was named the Mustangs’ starter in the backfield.

“I was kind of expecting it because one of our running backs got injured, and I filled in at Appalachian State,” he said. “Word spread that I was going to start. I left it up to the coaches. I went to practice as a linebacker. I just want to do whatever I can to help the team.”

“Hathaway’s a tough kid,” Lakewood coach Shawn Trent said. “That’s why we moved him there. He started at outside linebacker all last year, and we knew we needed more than one running back. Andre (Christiano) did a fantastic job when he was in there, too, but McKenzie just has a little bit more weight to him, so he brings a little bit more with him, and behind those (strong) guys we’ve got up front, it’s hard to stop him for four quarters.”

Hathaway saw his first glimpse at running back for the first time in two years during the Mustangs Kickoff Classic versus North Port Aug. 26, but it wasn’t until Lakewood’s season opener against Braden River that Hathaway felt the pressure to do well.

“It was really nerve-racking,” Hathaway said. “If I don’t do well, then it puts a hard hit on the team.”
Hathaway pushed his nerves aside, rushing for 133 yards on 25 carries and scoring two touchdowns while helping lead Lakewood to a 28-18 victory over the Pirates.

Hathaway continued to be productive Sept. 23 during the Mustangs’ Class 6A-District 7 opener at Boca Ciega. His 22-yard touchdown run was a big part of Lakewood’s impressive 19-0 victory.

“I still question myself about what I can do to make myself better, but for the most part, the butterflies have fluttered away,” Hathaway said. “I just need to start avoiding people instead of running at them. I play physical. That’s my forte.”

Hathaway began playing football when he was 11 years old. One of Hathaway’s best friends, Lakewood quarterback Jeren Kowalewski, was playing Pop Warner for the East Manatee Bulldogs, so Hathaway decided to join.

Hathaway played linebacker for the Bulldogs before moving to California the summer before eighth grade. He then played JV football, spending half of his sophomore season at tailback.

“I had no running back experience,” Hathaway said. “They just said, ‘Here’s the ball.’”

Hathaway returned to Lakewood last season and spent time playing linebacker before switching to his new position this year.

“At running back, you have more glory and touchdowns, but I love the fact that you can demolish someone as a linebacker,” Hathaway said.

Now, Hathaway has his sights set on rushing for 1,000 yards and hurdling a defender. 

“I want to play football in college,” Hathaway said. “I’ll play linebacker or running back — whichever one they accept me as. I just have to show my athleticism and keep doing what I’m doing.”

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].