As thoughts of the fall high school football season begin to fade, there is one member of the Scituate community who is still playing football and forging his own path. While all other football players are at home or busy playing a winter sport, St. Sebastian freshman George Kelly is still playing. On Monday, December 19th, Kelly played in Naples, Florida, for the Freshman All-American Game.

Kelly was one of 70 players selected nationwide from this year’s freshman class. Although Kelly is just beginning to receive national attention for his athletic talent, he has been a staple of the Scituate football community for years. According to former teammate and SHS sophomore football player, Wyllys Ames, “George and I won two youth Super Bowls in three years of playing with him, and I think one or two more before I started playing. He was a huge part of winning teams.” Since going to St. Sebastian’s School in Needham, MA, Kelly has kept up with his winning ways as a key member of the ‘Arrow’s’ Co-Independent School League Title as a freshman.

Kelly’s success on the field is a testament to his hard work and determination. Sophomore Quinn DeCourcey said that Kelly’s motivation comes from “his goals and ambitions to play Division 1.” DeCourcey added, “George plays to make his dad and team proud.”  Kelly’s father, Ken Kelly, unfortunately passed away last spring. He was a mentor and major figure in the SciCoh Youth Football program and coached his son through the years.   

Because of the long commute to St. Sebastian’s, Kelly was able to work in the off-season with the Scituate football program. SHS senior captain Daniel Thompson said Kelly “works super hard in the classroom and during the offseason on the field or in the weight room.” Thompson noted, “He is always trying to better himself, and that is one of the reasons he is able to put himself in this position to play football at the highest level and why he is excelling above his competition as a student and athlete.” 

Beyond his accomplishments on the football field, Kelly has also played lacrosse since he could first walk. DeCourcey recounted memories of playing with him “since elementary school,” explaining that he is still able to join up with him on the lacrosse field on various club teams.

Kelly’s work ethic and determination have put him in an amazing place to succeed and potentially play on a great football team in college while pursuing his education.