Senior running back Vulonn Forde fueling Troy High's Section 2 football championship dreams

Troy's Vulonn Forde (22) scores against Amsterdam during a Sept. 4 game in Troy. (Stephen Weaver) TROY - The NFL running back heroes that Troy senior Vulonn Forde follows and tries to emulate are the game's best at their position: Jahmyr Gibbs (Detriot Lions), Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers) and Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons).

>When it comes to Section 2 ball carriers, Forde rates near the top of the list.

>For the Flying Horses, Forde has achieved top-notch status through an incredible work ethic and relentless desire to succeed. During his first two seasons as a starter, Forde surpassed the 1,000-yard plateau. Now a senior, Forde continues to excel at his craft, going about his business in a methodical and workmanlike manner.

>"As a coach, I don't know what more you can ask for," Troy coach Jordan Canzeri said. "He just does what is asked. He is confident in himself. He runs hard and trusts himself, but he isn't showboating or rah-rah. I think out of my four years knowing him, he has said one selfish thing. That was him, joking, 'I can run the ball more if you need me to.' I love him."

>Forde is a driving force for the Flying Horses, a squad that reached the Section 2 Class A Super Bowl in 2025 and intends on claiming a championship this season. Recent weeks have created adversity for the Flying Horses.

>After an undefeated start to the campaign, Troy (4-1 overall, 4-1 Class A) dropped a 28-14 decision in Week 4 at home against Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake in a contest that senior captains Nymiear Jenkins and Darell Murray were sidelined with injuries. Then, last week, Troy's game was called off due to Columbia forfeiting following the Blue Devils not having enough players because of suspensions stemming from violations of the school's athletic code of conduct.

>Next, Troy plays Class AA contender Shaker (4-1, 4-1 Class AA) on Friday in a Week 6 game at Casey Stadium on the University at Albany campus.

>Forde is confident his squad is rounding into championship form as sectionals approach.

>"I think when we have everyone on the field, we can win the title. Unfortunately, we've played a few games when everyone wasn't out there," Forde said. "I believe in our team. I know what we are capable of doing."

>Experience and physical improvements have helped take Forde's game from being really good to elite. He tallied three touchdowns - two rushing and one receiving - in a 47-8 win against Amsterdam in the season opener and amassed 143 yards rushing and two touchdowns in a 31-0 triumph over Queensbury. He also scored two touchdowns against Mohonasen in a 34-23 road win.

>At 5-foot-7 and 170 pounds, Forde might not look threatening on the field. His play and production, however, say otherwise. He has been a vigilant and tireless worker in the weight room to enhance his power. The senior, who wears No. 22, has also been diligent about improving his speed, too.

>"I have told people that he is just such a worker in the weight room in every offseason. He is squatting over 500 pounds. I wasn't squatting that when I was in high school," said Canzeri, who enjoyed a successful college playing career at Iowa after first starring at running back with Troy High. "He is such a strong worker, and it shows. … People just bounce off of him."

>"I had some long runs in the past where I got caught from behind. I wanted to increase my speed," Forde said. "I worked with coach Canzeri in track and that has helped me become faster. That, along with working in the weight room, has made me a better player."

>Growing up, Forde found football fascinating for multiple reasons.

>"I love the thrill of the game, the physicality, getting dirty and playing for something bigger than yourself," Forde said.

>One of four co-captains for Troy, Forde's steady, day-to-day presence is something Canzeri and the rest of his coaching staff value greatly. Forde certainly provides game-day production, but he is also someone who does not slack when it comes to practice and preparation. The senior is also cool when under pressure.

>"He is a guy who shows it on the field, shows it in the weight room and shows it in his actions," Canzeri said. "He is not a kid who ever gets in trouble in school. He is just a five-star personality. To have him being one of the guys that leads your group is huge. There are a lot of people that look at him and think he doesn't have a shot because of his size. ... He's just worked so hard, overall, and it is showing."

SubscribeThere’s more to Albany with the Times Union. Subscribe today for just 25¢.This article originally published at Senior running back Vulonn Forde fueling Troy High's Section 2 football championship dreams.