Derrick Webb, Staff Writer
FRANKFORT — There isn’t much that Preston Sykes can’t do on the football field.
The Adena senior was as dynamic as they come, on both sides of the ball, this past fall. He led the Warriors to their first Scioto Valley Conference title and Gold Ball since 2010.
But success usually seems to follow Sykes.
He’s also been a key part to the school’s basketball program, where as a sophomore, he helped the Warriors win their first district title since 1980.
On Wednesday, Sykes decided to continue and chase that type of success at the next level, signing to play football at Alderson-Broaddus University.
“Alderson-Broaddus just felt like a place where I could develop to become a better person and player,” Sykes said.
Alderson-Broaddus, which is located in Philippi, W. Va., finished the 2019 season at 1-9. But that’s just three years removed from a 9-2 mark in 2016. The Battlers are hoping Sykes is a player they can count on to get back to that level.
“I wouldn’t be in this position without my family, teammates and coaches,” Sykes said. “They have been so supportive through all of this.”I most look forward to a new environment and a new way of doing things,” Sykes said. “I hope to learn a lot more and just continue to get better in my time there.”
As a senior, Sykes finished as the Division VI Southeast District Defensive Player of the Year as well as a first-team All-Ohioan. He tallied 49 tackles, three for a loss, five interceptions and two defensive touchdowns. He also, for good measure, threw for 875 yards, rushed for an additional 807 and scored 28 touchdowns.
Those numbers led the Warriors to an 8-1 mark and the program’s first-ever two playoff wins — 37-0 and 28-0 wins over Parkway and Minster.
Needless to say, when it’s all said and done, No. 12 will always be remembered in the Village.
“I hope they remember the passion I played with and that I didn’t take it for granted,” Sykes said. “The Adena community will always have a special place in my heart.”