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Rebel Stephone Haynes Signs with Defiance College Football

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McKENZIE (March 22) — Family members, coaches, teammates, teachers and classmates gathered in the McKenzie High School Theatre Friday for a signing ceremony as senior Stephone Haynes committed to play football for the Yellow Jackets of Defiance College in Defiance, Ohio.
As a three-year starter on the defensive line, Haynes accumulated 50 initial tackles, 41 assists, 19 tackles for loss, two quarterback sacks, 12 quarterback hurries, two caused fumbles and two fumble recoveries, one of which was returned for a touchdown. Besides defensive end, he also saw some snaps at tight end and offensive line.
Haynes told The Banner, “I’m grateful to play here. I’m glad that I had good coaches. The culture here, there are not that many high schools around that can match it. Although we didn’t have that many winning seasons while I was here, I enjoyed every moment, every play. I gave it everything I had. I’m grateful that he gave me the skills to be able to go on to the next level and play.”

On choosing Defiance, he said, “A couple of other schools made offers, but Defiance had nice facilities and they were talking about a winning philosophy. They’ve got a new coach, and they’re getting a lot of new things. When I went up there for my official visit, they had a lot of nice things, and people around town were happy about it. Everything just felt right, it felt like I was at home.”
After he put ink to paper, his mother, Becky King, thanked everyone who “gave him the opportunity to play with some great players and coaches.” Stepdad Matthew King said to Haynes, “This is a new step for you. I’ve seen the changes. You’ve gotten better, and you’re going to excel.”
McKenzie Head Coach Wade Comer told The Banner, “He’s an outstanding player. Obviously he has size, but each year he got better and the effort kept increasing. We’re proud for him to get this opportunity.”
Haynes plans to major in Physical Therapy. Defiance College is a four-year Division III school.

Rebels, McKenzie, Yellow Jackets, Signing, Haynes