Injury derailed the ’28 star from full potential, ‘Cajun’ is determined that won’t happen in ’25
🎶Jambalaya and a crawfish pie and a filé gumbo
'Cause tonight, I'm gonna see my ma chère amie, oh
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay, oh...🎶
Hank Williams, Sr., Jambalaya (On the Bayou), 1952
Kaijain “KJ” Hayes has a nickname other than “KJ.” Folk around Morton’s Gap also refer to him as “Cajun.” I just can’t think of the word or nickname “Cajun” without thinking of one of Hank Williams, Sr.’s greatest songs, “Jambalaya.” If Hayes fulfills his immense promise which has come along with his having a 6’1″ frame replete with good length, 170-pounds, and his 3.9-GPA; we will see much more out of him in ’25 than the five (5) games we got from him in ’24. Hayes was a starter a year ago, as a freshman, before succumbing to injury. That injury is in the rear view and Hayes is healthy and ready to compete for the fans and for his brothers.
HB Lyon, Scouting Director, “KPGFootball”
Morton’s Gap, KY: KJ Hayes, a ’28 prospect who was starting for the Storm as a freshman before being derailed by injury in ’24, is also called “Cajun.” Cajun has meaning independent of Hayes.
Cajuns are descendants of the Acadians, a French-speaking ethnic group who were exiled from Acadia (now Nova Scotia, Canada) in the 18th century. Cajuns primarily settled in southern Louisiana, where they developed a distinct culture, language, and cuisine.
The term “Cajun” is derived from a shortened version of the word “Acadien.” In KJ’s regard, it probably extends from “KJ” which is a short for his given name of “Kaijain.”
Regardless, KJ Hayes and “Cajun” Hayes are indistinguishable around Morton’s Gap. That will become increasingly important to you as the season progresses.
We are fast approaching the other side of the “Dead Period.” The only things awaiting us on the other side of the last week in June, the first week in July, are two scrimmages, a few Sevens throws, and the KHSAA football “regular season.”
We love this time of year. This time last year we were busy prognosticating that Kaijain “KJ” Hayes, a.k.a “Cajun” Hayes, was going to start for the Storm as a freshman. Until his getting derailed by injury, we had nailed this prognosis.
KJ has rehabbed his injury and he is ready to compete
Chris Manning, Central HFC
Coach Manning told KPGFootball, “KJ earned the starting nod in week two last season. He started the next four (4) games for us until getting sidelined by injury.”
As for the prognosis going forward? According to head football coach Chris Manning, the future looks so bright we need to all break out the sunglasses.
“KJ has rehabbed his injury and he is ready to compete. Hayes is ready for football. He has and continues to work hard and can’t wait to compete for the fans and his brothers.”
Hayes is a 6’1″ guy with enviable length. Hayes weighs 170-pounds and is pretty well put together.
Hayes has great vision and reads the ball very well. Like we predicted a year ago, we believe Hayes is a day one, snap one starter coming off his injury from last season.
Cajun is an example of the young talent we should expect to see in the lineup for the Storm as the season quickly approaches. As “Luke the Drifter” would write and sing over 70-years ago, 🎶…Son of a gun, we’ll have big fun on the bayou…🎶
This is Friday Night Fletch, reporting for KPGFootball and KPI Newspaper Group, reminding you to PLAY THROUGH THE WHISTLE!
If you enjoyed this article and wish to gain full-access to the site, then subscribe monthly to Kentucky Prep Gridiron by following the prompts!
© The information contained on this site is the copyrighted intellectual property of KPGFootball. Any unauthorized dissemination of this material without the author’s express written consent is strictly prohibited!
Leave a Reply