Ken Pluff Lakeside Year: Senior Sport: Football Position: Quarterback

After missing the first three games of the season with a hip injury, Ken Pluff wasn’t expected to be up to par when he returned to the field.

But Pluff has proven to be fully recovered, completing 19 of 25 passes for 716 yards in the last four games, including 305 yards when he completed all six attempts for six touchdowns against Falls Christian last week.

“He’s got a lot of self-pride,” Knights coach Ron Miller said. “He wants every game to be 6 for 6 and six touchdowns. He wants every pass to be completed and he’s not satisfied unless it’s the best he can do. Sometimes he’s too hard on himself, but at the same time, that’s what keeps him going.”

Pluff has played quarterback since his sophomore year after stepping in to replace the injured starter. Before that, he dabbled around in various positions until he spotted the opportunity.

“Mr. Miller believed in me and gave me the chance and I did fine,” said Pluff.

But Pluff wouldn’t accept all the credit for his recent success.

“My line’s really good and they block well for me,” he said. “Plus, we’ve got so many receivers that can make those kinds of plays. Every time I throw a pass, they always seem to find the opening. We’ve got a lot of talent all over the place.”

Mark Rypien, the former Washington State University quarterback now with the St. Louis Rams, visited Pluff and the Knights last year during a few practices. He offered some tips to the players.

“(Rypien) really helped Kenny’s confidence and his footwork,” said Miller. “Just having somebody of that caliber and that nature come down to our school and walk on our field really impressed him and did a lot for him.”

Pluff’s talents go beyond being able to throw a football. During the year he is also involved in basketball, track and baseball, and golfs any chance he can get.

“I’ve been interested in sports all my life,” Pluff said. “I grew up watching my dad play softball. He’d tell me about him (winning 16 letters) in high school and that’s what I want to accomplish.”

Pluff plans to attend a small college where he can play in multiple sports and still get a good education. He intends to get a degree in auto mechanics or mechanical engineering.

Said Miller: “He has the athletic ability to further his career in a few different sports depending on what school he chooses. He’s an outstanding athlete. He can run, throw, catch, play defense. So I think he can go out there and really help somebody.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color photo