Dawson County High School held a signing day event on Wednesday, Feb. 1, for senior football player Kade Moledor, who penned his letter of intent to play collegiately at North Carolina A&T.
“I’d like to thank God for putting me in this position and putting people in my life to get me where I’m at,” Moledor said. “I’m thankful every day for my parents, my family…my friends and teammates. I appreciate my coaches for also pushing me to be the best.”
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Moledor played primarily as a linebacker during his Tigers career, spending his senior season taking up the additional role of running back.
His efforts in the 2022 season, which included 90 tackles, five sacks and 532 rushing yards on 101 carries, resulted in him being awarded as the Team MVP, a First Team All-Region selection, and the Region 7-3A Defensive Player of the Year.
According to head coach Sid Maxwell, what made Moledor such an important player for the Tigers went far beyond the stat sheet.
“He’s an outstanding young man. Sometimes you can make leaders, but in this situation, [Moledor] was born to do what he does — and that’s lead others,” Maxwell said. “Each day he came in to get better. Not only did he get better, but he would make those around him better and people would try to be more like him.”
Moledor’s leadership helped set the standard for the football team’s region title-winning season, with his efforts contributing to two shutouts and just 48 points given up against six region opponents.
As critical as his defensive role was, his ability to take on expanded responsibilities helped stabilize the offense.
He proved to be effective in picking up third downs and using his size to break tackles, averaging nearly five yards per carry.
All of those efforts have helped Moledor earn a chance to play Division I football in Greensboro, where the North Carolina A&T program plays in the Football Championship Subdivision as part of the Colonial Athletic Association.
Moledor’s father, Ryan, expressed how impressed he was with his son’s accomplishments and resolve.
“Your mom and I are so proud of you. We admire your toughness, your leadership [and] your doggedness to never stop when things get tough,” Ryan Moldeor said. “I admire his work ethic. Whether it’s working out on a Saturday at 11 o’clock at night or getting up early at five or six in the morning…he doesn’t stop.”
In addition to Moledor’s parents and siblings joining him on stage, messages of encouragement written by his grandparents Dee and Tony Kijanko were recited by Doug Cole and assistant coach Tony Holtzclaw.
Moledor finished his Tigers career with 354 tackles (30 for loss), 12 sacks, three interceptions and three defensive touchdowns.