Eleven Bulldogs Named to All-State Roster

Missouri Football Coaches Association announced the All-State 2025 roster this week and of the 11 Kearney Bulldog players honored, six are returning juniors.

Class-4 top honors go to Head Coach Logan Minnick who was named Coach of the Year; Carter Temple, Offensive Player of the Year; and Isaac Beaver, Defensive Player of the year.

Carter Temple with the QUarterback Keeper in the Class 4 State Final on Dec. 6, 2025. Photo by Ray Weikal.

First-team all-state, team captain, Carter Temple, junior quarterback of the 14-0 state championship team capped the Bulldogs’ season with 1,456 passing yards, 18 touchdowns and a quarterback rating of 135.6 with only two interceptions.

In an offense spilling over with talented running backs, Temple led the team in rushing with 1,037 yards (7.1 YPC) and 22 touchdowns.

Senior running back, Corbin Emmons was named second-team all-state. In an injury-shortened season, Emmons ran for 606 yards (6.5 YPC) with 8 touchdowns. Dryden Hendrix, a junior, earned third-team all-state honors at running back finishing the season with 846 yards (7.2 YPC) and 12 touchdowns. Junior Matthew Lindsey carried for 329 yards (6 YPC) and 7 touchdowns and was named first-team, all-state returner with 199 yards on six returns (33.1 YPR).

Junior, first-team all-state defensive back Kale Tucking led the Bulldogs in punt returns with 264 yards on 17 returns (15.5 YPR). He and his twin brother, Luke Tucking, second-team all-state linebacker, return to the Bulldog defense in 2026.

Aidan Arellano, junior first-team all-state linebacker is a tough-as-nails tackler with lightning-quick speed. Arellano doesn’t miss tackles. He will be back, running people down and stopping them cold.

Isaac Beaver, senior first-team all-state defensive lineman and his twin brother Mason will be impossible to replace. Kearney, in all likelihood will never find another pair of six-foot-two-inch, 285-pound, monsters with the speed, athletic ability and raw, weight room strength of these exceptional football players. 

Nyk Belabre, senior offensive lineman was named first-team all-state and will likely move on to the next level. College recruiters are sure to like his 6’-3” 285-pound athletic frame and toughness.

First-team all-state tight end, Drew Nelson, a senior who by-the-way delivered on 57 of 58 extra point kicks during his senior season is a weight room guy with offensive lineman blocking skills, and well-capable of catching the football, recording 222 yards on 13 catches and four touchdowns.   

Senior Brad Doll, first-team defensive back made possibly the best play in the state championship game with an athletic leap for a game changing interception. Doll is listed as the Bulldogs backup quarterback and is well capable of playing as a starter.

It’s hard say good-bye to a senior class who went 49-4, won two state titles and made a semifinal appearance in Coach Minnick’s first full class of players, but that’s the nature of high school football.

With Minnick as Class-4 Head Coach of the year, Marcus Brinkley as Assistant Coach of the Year, and six returning all-state players that includes quarterback Carter Temple, the 2025 Offensive Player of the Year, the 2026 season looks bright for the Kearney Bulldogs.

KPGZ News – Mike Davis contributed to this story.

Poverty Simulation Fundraiser Coming to Kearney

The Kearney Family Foundation and the Kearney Food Pantry are teaming up to host a unique community event designed to raise awareness and support for families facing financial hardship.

The Poverty Simulation, titled “Living on the Edge: Step Into Their Shoes, Help Change Their Future,” will give participants a firsthand look at the challenges many individuals and families experience when living with limited resources.

The event will take place Monday, February 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. and will serve as a fundraiser for both nonprofit organizations. Through interactive scenarios, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the difficult choices and obstacles faced by those living on the edge of poverty, while also helping support vital local services.

Organizers are currently seeking volunteers and sponsors to help make the event a success. Those interested in participating, volunteering, or sponsoring can find more information online at kearneyfoodpantry.com/living-on-the-edge.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Deputies to brighten Christmas for 39 children

Clay County Sheriff’s Office deputies will help 39 deserving children have a fantastic holiday during their annual Shop with a Sheriff event Sunday.

Deputies will shop with the children Dec. 14 at the Wal-Mart at 8301 N. Church Rd., Kansas City, Mo. One half of the children will shop at 9 a.m., with the second half at 9:45 a.m. Families were identified to participate through counselors and social workers in North Kansas City Schools, where the Sheriff’s Office provides school resource deputies.

Each child will get $250 to purchase gifts for themselves and their loved ones. This is a $50 increase over last year, thanks to generous donors. Sheriff’s Office volunteers will be on hand to wrap the gifts. Shop with a Sheriff is funded by grants, public donations and donations that Sheriff’s Office employees make to be able to sport beards or small nose rings throughout the year. 

KPGZ News - Sarah Boyd contributed to this story.

Stolen Car Pursuit Leads to Arrest of Juvenile Suspect

Another late-night patrol by the Kearney Police Department turned into a high-stakes chase on Thursday, December 10. Shortly after 10:00 p.m., an officer patrolling the south end of Kearney spotted a vehicle that matched the description of a recently reported stolen car. The individuals inside the car were also suspected of prowling through other vehicles in the neighborhood.

When the officer attempted to pull the vehicle over, the driver sped away, initiating a pursuit that wove through the city. The chase continued near 19th Street and Highway 33, where police successfully deployed stop sticks. Although the suspect ran over the devices, which slowed the vehicle, the driver continued heading south on Highway 33 into the county, approaching the Riverbend Estates neighborhood.

At that point, the suspect abandoned the still-moving car and fled on foot. Officers pursued and quickly located the individual hiding behind a building. The suspect, identified as a juvenile male from Kansas City, Missouri, was taken into custody without further incident and transported to the Clay County Juvenile Detention Center. The stolen vehicle was recovered and returned to its rightful owner.

The suspect is now facing multiple felony charges, including aggravated fleeing a detention/stop under Valentine’s Law, resisting arrest, tampering (stealing) with a motor vehicle, endangering the welfare of a child, and reckless or careless driving.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Bulldog Standouts Earn Top Honors at Simone Awards

Two Kearney High School football players have been recognized among the elite athletes in the Kansas City metro area. At the 2025 Thomas A. Simone Memorial Football Awards ceremony, held Tuesday, December 9, junior quarterback Carter Temple was honored with the Frank Fontana Memorial Award, while senior defensive end Isaac Beaver received the Bobby Bell Award. These distinctions are presented to the top high school football players in the region, as determined by a vote of local coaches and select media members.

junior quarterback Carter Temple was honored with the Frank Fontana Memorial Award, while senior defensive end Isaac Beaver received the Bobby Bell Award. Photo by Ray Weikal.

The Simone Awards were established to celebrate athletes who not only excel on the field, but also embody the values of love, courage, and friendship. The Frank Fontana Memorial Award is given to the most outstanding player from smaller high schools in the metro area. Carter Temple earned this accolade after guiding Kearney to a perfect 14–0 season and capturing a state championship as a dynamic dual-threat quarterback. Temple carried the ball 146 times for 1,037 yards and 22 touchdowns, and completed 100 of 150 passes for 1,456 yards and 18 touchdowns, throwing just two interceptions. He also contributed on special teams, averaging 44 yards per punt.

The Bobby Bell Award, named for Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Kansas City Chief Bobby Bell, is awarded to the area’s top linebacker or lineman. Isaac Beaver anchored the Bulldogs’ defense, making crucial plays throughout the season, including a standout performance in Kearney’s Class 4 state title win over Hannibal. Beaver finished the season as the team’s sack leader with three, and also contributed offensively with a rushing touchdown. His influence extended beyond individual statistics, helping the Kearney defense limit opponents to just 154 points over the course of the season.

This recognition celebrates not only the individual achievements of Isaac Beaver and Carter Temple, but also the collective effort of their teammates, coaches, and supporters. These prestigious awards highlight the dedication, resilience, and character of the players, and shine a spotlight on the strength and unity of the entire Kearney Bulldog community.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.