Bulldogs Celebrate 49-8 Homecoming Win over Raytown South

Kearney jumped out in front of the 0-6 Raytown South Cardinals early. Running Back KJ Smith scampered 38 yards to the 3-yard line, setting up the first of 3 Bulldog touchdowns in the first quarter.  

Kearney Quarterback, Casey Rooney connected with Zach Grace on a 30-yard touchdown strike at the 6:59 mark, giving the Bulldogs a 14-0 lead. KJ Smith ran 36 yards for his second of 5 rushing touchdowns with 29 seconds left in the first quarter.

Raytown South had no answer to the Bulldog scoring machine. By halftime, KJ Smith had amassed 225 rushing yards on 12 carries, 5 touchdowns, and the Bulldogs led 49-0.

The Kearney Bulldogs started the second half with mostly second-unit players. Sophomore and junior varsity players took over the game by the fourth quarter allowing only one Raytown South touchdown – a 3-yard burst by running back Chris Watson followed by a 2-point conversion pass from quarterback Troy Jefferson to Marcus Neal.

Kearney’s defense swarms to the ball, holding the Cardinals to minus 33 rushing yards.

Casey Rooney was 7 of 8 for 119 yards passing with 2 touchdowns. Ian Acosta had 3 receptions for 55 yards including a dazzling 33-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter.

The Bulldog defense remained rock solid with a Drake Cole second quarter interception. Overall, the Bulldogs held the Cardinals to negative 33 rushing yards and 168 yards passing with no touchdowns until a late, fourth quarter score against the second unit defense.

The homecoming victory places the Kearney Bulldogs’ record at an even 3-3 as they prepare for an away game at 3-4 Grandview next Friday, October 15. In common opponent comparison, Grandview lost to Winnetonka, Smithville, Platte County and beat Ruskin. 

KPGZ Sports – Mike Davis contributed to this story.