By Thomas Sellers Jr.
Nick Fenney has earned the nickname Highway 51 for clearing a path for Trojan running backs in recent years. Some of the key Trojans taking the field in 2016 will be Justin Coleman, Nick Fenney, Robert House, Gabe Christopher, Pierre Newbern, Tyler Denson, James Cox, D’Monte Kemp and Chance Taylor. Trojan linemen Chance Taylor, Pierre Newbern and Nick Fenney
During a 3-8 season, there were still some highlights and memorable moments for the Millington Trojans. The 2015 campaign also produced some talent for the immediate future of Chris Michael’s Trojans. One of those players expected to contribute in 2016 is lineman Nick Fenney. The explosive offensive lineman has earned the nickname Highway 51 because of his jersey number and clearing a road to the end zone for Millington skill players. In addition Fenney grabbed the attention of the Trojan faithful for a new celebration after a touchdown. Last season after quarterback Eldon Tyms raced to the end zone for a score, he started to charge toward Fenney for a jump celebration. Instead of jumping, Fenney snatched Tyms in midair and extended him to the sky for a moment. That was the birth of the “Fenney Freeze Frame.” Others to pose for a moment in time in the grasp of Fenney were Trojans like Keno Taylor, D’Monte Kemp and Kip Fleming. “It’s just symbol of our hard work,” Fenney said of the Freeze Frame. “It’s just a humble celebration.” Fenney hopes the 2016 Millington offensive line also featuring Chance Taylor, Danny Chandler, Pierre Newman and Solomon Slevkoff will created more moments to celebrate leading to more wins. Several of the Millington coaches say Fenney is a key to success on an off the field in 2016. “It’s an awesome and blessed feeling,” he said. “I’m blessed to be here without any serious injuries during my football career. It’s nice to be one of the respected individuals on the team.” Fenney knows offensive linemen barely get stats and very little recognition on Friday night. But “Highway 51” said as long as players like Tommy Clifton, Robert House, Gabe Christopher and Justin Coleman are having success, the O-Line can rest easy at night. “It’s a prideful feeling,” he said. “If they’re not getting any glory that means I’m not doing my job right. If I am not blocking that usually means they’re not doing anything.” To increase their chances of creating running lanes and pass protecting, Fenney said the members of the offensive line hit the playbook. “We’ve put in a lot of time bonding this summer,” he recalled. “We spent a lot of time with the team figuring out what each other like. We put in work in the weight room.” Fenney said all the Trojans have put in the work this summer. Now they have to get the mind set to turn things around in 2016.
“Mainly the thing that will get us back on track is going to be motivation,” he concluded. “We can’t do anything without motivation. If we’re not welling to go out there and play hard every second, then there’s no way we’ll win.”
