Carrying the moniker of “Boobie” throughout his playing career, Tartan senior Kingston Myles is accustomed to making big plays like the "Friday Night Lights" superstar.

“When I have the ball in my hands, I feel like I can do whatever I want,” Myles said.

He proved that statement almost immediately Friday night, returning the game’s opening kickoff 97 yards to the end zone virtually untouched to spur the Titans to a 26-13 win over Hill-Murray at Tartan High School in Oakdale.

Despite the similarities between Kingston and his on-field persona, (Mach speed, keen vision and an inherent knack for the game) his attitude generally doesn’t resemble the boastfulness of Boobie Myles. 

“He leads by example,” Tartan coach Aaron Mullen said. “He’s a mellow guy, but his play speaks for itself.”

Although Myles' touchdown made a huge statement and gave Tartan (1-0) a lead it never gave up, the game was far from over after the kickoff return.

In fact, it had barely started, with just four seconds ticking off the game clock (likely due to a timekeeping error).

The Titans built a 12-0 lead before the Pioneers (0-1) battled back, scoring a touchdown to pull within a possession at halftime.

Hill-Murray’s defense also gained confidence after Myles was stuffed on consecutive runs that forced a 3-and-out in the third quarter, partially due to offensive line miscues in its first performance of the season.

“We have a lot of good athletes at our skills positions,” Mullen said. “If we can clean some things up with our offensive line, we can do some great things.”

Boobie took over on the following Tartan possession.

“Kingston’s a super quiet kid, but when you piss him off, he gets mad and puts it all out there,” said tight end Joevon Walker, who also plays on the Titans varsity basketball team with Myles.

That was evident when Tartan was backed up on a second-and-20 in the third quarter. Quarterback Marco Hernandez was under center and audibled Myles into the slot, where the receiver muttered through his mouth guard, "Throw me it."

Hernandez's pass led Myles on an inside cross, which he took 87 yards to the end zone to put the Titans ahead by two possessions.

“We’ve been playing together since freshman year, as my wide receiver,” Hernandez said. "He’s got wheels and is a good player.”

Hernandez’s arm strength complimented his receivers Tuesday night as Tartan picked up its first win of the season.

Last year, the Titan’s season-opening victory was their only win of the season.

“Really, we just got to win more than one game,” Walker joked. “But really, we have the talent to battle in the (district) and make a run for state.”

With their first East Metro District Red Division victory under the belt, the Titans’ quick-strike offense proved itself while the defense closed when it was needed.

“We’ve been focusing on physical football and fighting through adversity, and our kids did that tonight,” Mullen said.

Senior Kingston Myles returned the game’s opening kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown and added a receiving TD to spur Tartan to a 26-13 home win over East Metro District Red Division rival Hill-Murray Friday night.

Titans quarterback Marco Hernandez threw for 140 yards and two touchdowns, one to Kingston and the other to tight end Joevon Walker.

The Pioneers’ Jack Still connected with Anthony Hurley for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter to bring Hill-Murray (0-1) within six points.

However, junior Cyrus Kalkwarf iced the game a 46-yard TD run on the ensuing drive.