Ferriday — If football were as easy as A-B-C, 1-2-3, Keonte Fortune would be ahead of the curve.

Fortune, a ninth grade wide receiver for the Ferriday Trojans, reserves his best work for the classroom. Academics, he said, is something he wants to surpass others in with his competitive spirit.

Naturally, in his first year on the gridiron, Fortune takes a more methodical approach to the game.

“I see the plays as math problems,” Fortune said. “I like the way you have to study teams and come up with ways to beat them.”

Because of the physical nature football presents, Fortune has found it’s best to do his homework on and off of the field. If he doesn’t, well, consequences will follow.

“Prepared to get hit then,” said Fortune, laughing.

If Fortune borrows from his academic routine, he shouldn’t have any trouble learning the ins and outs.

His head coach Cleothis Cummings has a front row seat to Fortune’s approach in the classroom, and he likes what he sees in his homeroom.

“He’s one of those exceptional children,” said Cummings, who watches Fortune perform “get ahead work” each morning. “We’re always happy to see kids take pride in their academics like he does.”

Small in stature, Fortune’s brain will be his best weapon on the field during preparation to earn a starting spot. Fortune said he’s working hard to become a contributing member for the Trojans, but with this being his first taste of football, hurdles are expected.

Cummings said Fortune’s work ethic and overall wisdom allows him to jump the learning curve, adjusting to life on the football field in a quick manner.

“He’s a small guy, but like I told him, the more you study, the better you’ll be at your craft,” Cummings said. “Him having a great understanding, that develops a greater football knowledge for him.”

Even if Fortune was to one day earn a starting spot on the team, Fortune said no activity, including his passion for drawing, would overtake his obsession for being the best in the classroom.

“It’s everything to me,” Fortune said. “I don’t want to fail in life. I want to be successful.”

Holding him accountable for his success in the classroom are his friends in the Beta Club. The club only allows those who maintain an A or B average to become a member, something Fortune does not take lightly.

“My grade point average is around a 3.0, and I’m going to make sure it doesn’t fall below because I want to be in Beta,” Fortune said.

Of course, that takes extra effort from Fortune. After a practice full of learning, running and catching balls, Fortune returns home to review notes from class and study regardless of a looming test or not.

It’s his cousin Dontay Fortune who inspired him to create such habits. Dontay is his 21-year-old cousin who went to the military after high school. Keonte admires his cousin’s discipline and service.

“I want to be just like him,” Fortune said.

Fortune is the son of Cassandra Fortune and Calvin Clark, and he hopes to one day conquer the field in the same fashion he does in the classroom.