Cedar Rapids Kennedy senior Miles Moa is the winner of the Metro Spotlight Award for high school boys this week, the Metro Sports Report announced Sunday.

Moa, a 5-foot-9, 180-pound tailback, carried the ball 34 times for 300 yards and two touchdowns Friday night as the Cougars upset Iowa City High, 35-14, at Kingston Stadium.

Moa set a school record with his 300 yards. The performance ranks third in Metro history, according to Metro Sports Report records.

Moa has rushed 173 times for 1,125 yards and eight touchdowns this season. Kennedy (6-3) will meet Prairie (5-4) in the opening round of the Class 4A playoffs Wednesday at approximately 8 p.m. at Kingston Stadium.

Here is our Question-&-Answer exchange with Miles Moa.

MSR: What is your favorite individual highlight in sports?

MILES: My favorite highlight would have to be the first play against Jefferson this year, because before that I was struggling mentally and had a hard time performing like I wanted to. As the season went on I was proud of how I was doing, but at the same time there was always that extra "thing" that I needed. After that touchdown, a lot of confidence and a lot of heart came back into the game that I love. And after that I had no fear. Absolutely none, to go and get what I want in this game.

MSR: What is your favorite team highlight in sports?

MILES: My favorite team highlight would have to be the big drive against Prairie in Week 2 when Terrance Hall and the O-line put up good long runs that eventually turned into a touchdown, and then the Jacob Shannon interception that sealed the deal. That was a hard-fought game all around, and myself and the team were very proud of the outcome. What most people don't realize is that the offensive line our team has works hard every day. And the best thing about it is, I can trust them that they will do what they need to do in order for ANYONE on our team to be successful. I'm so thankful to be blessed with such a great group of guys. Drew Heitland, Austin Holzer, Alex Steffes, Drake Zabloudil, Mason Jacobs and Seth Gilmore are the reason why I am successful in games like last Friday.

MSR: Who has had the biggest influence on your sports career?

MILES: The person that has had the biggest influence on my sports career would have to be Grandpa. He has been my father figure my whole life and my biggest fan since the day I was born. My grandpa tells me to always do the best I can and good things will happen. He's a firm believer in me and trusts that I will do what I have to do in order to be successful. Every Sunday before another week of practice and an intense game against another opponent, he says may God be with you and he always tells me to fight for what you want in life. I feel very blessed to have him in my life to support me in my career.

MSR: What are your future goals in sports?

MILES: In my future, I've always had the goal to play Division I in college and it's always been my dream to be "that guy" you see on TV scoring that touchdown and being talked about by the families across the country watching. In my future I not only want to become the best person possible, but also the best athlete I can be in any sport I play.

MSR: What are your favorite classes in school?

MILES: A favorite class in school has always been history for me because it teaches a lot about what you shouldn't do and what you should do. I'm a firm believer in the saying "History repeats itself."