Bulldogs Dominant in 42-14 Win over Winnetonka

Luke Noland returned the opening kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown, setting the tone for the Bulldogs’ 42 to 14 victory over Winnetonka and handing the Griffins their second loss of the season.

The Bulldog running game was a combination of speed and power behind a formidable offensive line: Lucas Starr, Conner Smith, Trace Dunlap, Briggs Terwilleger, Carter Schmidt and Keanon McNally.

KJ Smith led the way in rushing with 153 yards on 24 carries and 4 touchdowns. Zach Grace broke free on a couple of long runs, one that set up a KJ Smith touchdown from the 5-yard line, and another for a 35-yard touchdown that was called back for a holding penalty. Grace finished the night with 127 yards rushing.

Ian Acosta darts around the right side on first down. The Bulldogs rushed for 366 yards.

Ian Acosta, who had 1 rushing touchdown, Jake Gregory, and Canton Woods contributed to the smash-mouth ground game that piled up 366 total yards. Meanwhile, Quarterback Casey Rooney took what the Winnetonka defense gave him in the air. He completed 5 of 7 for 47 passing yards. Ian Acosta, Hayden Douglas, Zach Grace, and Randall Freeman each had receptions. Ian Acosta also completed a 9-yard pass, giving Kearney 413 yards of total offense.

Kicker Grant Jacobsen was 5 of 6 on point after attempts. A second-quarter, two point conversion by KJ Smith, following a 5-yard Ian Acosta touchdown run, evened the Bulldog total score to 14-0.

Kearney’s defense was quick and hard-hitting. The Bulldogs swarmed and frustrated Winnetonka Quarterback Devin Sontag all evening. Linebackers Rhys Neal, Will Lincoln, and Daryn Langford, along with defensive back Drake Cole, pressured and blitzed while Luke Noland and Joe Marshall helped contain Winnetonka’s offensive threats – running back Jonell Essex and wide receiver Jason Essex. Kearney defensive linemen Cale Conway and Sam Lowman made drive-stopping tackles as the bulldog defense held Winnetonka to 267 total yards and 2 touchdowns.

Kearney moves to 2-3 on the season as they host 0-5 Raytown South next week for Homecoming. The game will be broadcast live on 102.7FM beginning with the pre-game at 6:40 p.m.

KPGZ Sports – Mike Davis contributed to this story.