While the Bremerton football team has struggled to a 1-6 record, Kyle Kennedy continues to punish the opposition with pad-rattling blocks and bruising runs.

The 5-foot-10-inch, 200-pound junior is the Knights’ leading rusher with 367 yards on 81 carries, this coming after an 800-plus yard output in 2008. He has accounted for a team-high 14 first downs on the ground with one touchdown.

But offense isn’t Kennedy’s only strength; the two-way athlete is the team’s third-leading tackler on defense, registering 31 with 19 assists at his linebacker position. With three fumble recoveries and a sack, Kennedy anchors the Knights’ defensive backfield.

The Bremerton Patriot recently sat down with the two-sport star to discuss life on — and off — the gridiron.

Q: How long have you been playing football and how did you get your start?

A: I started playing football when I was 7 years old. Me and my dad were driving by a football practice on Warren Avenue and I said, “Dad, I want to play that.’” He was a high school football star at Port Angeles and was like, “Really? OK.” And he signed me up.

Q: What other sports do you play?

A: Track and field. I tried wrestling last year, but I’m not very good at wrestling.

Q: What do you like to do away from the football field?

A: Hang out with friends, just chill. Play video games.

Q: What’s your favorite class?

A: My favorite class would have to be honors biology because, when I go to college, that’s what I want to do. When I’m older I want to be a scientist or something. That would be pretty cool.

Q: What’s your fondest football memory?

A: During Pee Wees. It was a kickoff, and I was running down the field and I stripped the guy and the ball popped right into my hands and I returned it for a touchdown.

Q: What’s playing on your iPod right now?

A: On my iPod … That would be Lil’ Wayne, “I’m a beast.” That’s my favorite song.

Q: Who’s your favorite athlete?

A: Right now it would have to be Adrian Peterson because he’s an animal, he can run the ball. And he’s a good guy.

Q: Why do you like football?

A: Hitting people, that’s my favorite part. Just hitting people.