Bulldogs are District Champs with 29 – 13 Win over Smithville

The long, green streak has ended. The last time the Kearney Bulldogs defeated Smithville for the district championship was in 2016.

Senior Cohen Jacobs opened the Bulldog scoring with a 70 yard touchdown run in the second quarter

“I’m unbelievably excited for our kids. This (Smithville) team has been a thorn in their side for a long time,” said Kearney Head Football Coach, Logan Minnick. “You know we’ve had this game ‘marked on the calendar’ without having it marked on the calendar for a while now. What an effort by Smithville. That’s one of the best programs in the state and you can see why.”

A no-score, smash-mouth first quarter set the tone in this battle between the 1-ranked and 3-ranked teams in Missouri Class 4. Smithville’s top seed was well deserved, with their early season win over the Bulldogs, and a 9-1 record.

The Warriors opened the second quarter scoring with a 7-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Jake Shaffer to his senior tight end, Kaulen Muller. The successful point-after by Aiden Verhulst gave the Warriors a 7-0 lead.

Kearney wasted no time getting on the board following a 70-yard touchdown run by Senior Cohen Jacobs. Place kicker, Jacob Dillon tied the score at 7-all with the point-after.

Late in the second quarter, Rooney pitched the ball back to Cohen Jacobs who in turn, threw downfield to a wide-open Bryce Page for a 47-yard touchdown. “We practiced that play all week. Then when it came time to run it, I’m glad we executed,” said Jacobs.

Coach Minnick called for the 2-point conversion and Brad Doll happily obliged with a completed pass to Jacobs in the end zone, giving Kearney a 15-7 lead just before halftime.

Kearney scored early on the opening possession of the second half with a 9-yard pass from Casey Rooney to the speedy junior, all-purpose player, Grant Noland. Jacob Dillon’s point after kick gave the Bulldogs a 22-7 lead as the powerful Kearney defense held the Smithville offense scoreless in both the first and third quarters.

“That’s one of the best offenses in the state, regardless of class,” said Minnick. “Hats off to our defense, they played so physical, because again, Smithville makes you cover every inch of the field with all the wideouts and the kids they have. Our defense did a great job.”

Junior middle linebacker Theo Grace was happy to be on the field as one of several defensive players who, due to injuries, missed the conference game against Smithville earlier in the season. “Jack (Helberg), having him back, Grant (Noland), we play as one. It was amazing. You play as one. That’s how we’re going to play the rest of the playoffs,” said Grace.

A fourth quarter, 15-yard pass from Jake Shaffer to Max McKenzie brought Smithville within 9 points, and a missed extra point ensured Kearney a late, 2-score lead at 22-13.

This Smithville game plan had a heavy emphasis on slowing the Cameron Emmons rushing attack. Emmons had 225 rushing yards in the regular season conference game against Smithville. This time, the Warriors defense held him to 38 yards, but they couldn’t stop him from tacking on a late 19-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, giving Kearney a 29-13 lead following the Jacob Dillon point after. Kearney’s offense still managed 155 yards rushing and 200 yards passing to the Warriors’ 86 yards rushing and 217 yards passing.

The Bulldogs continue their playoff run as they are scheduled to host Nevada at home this Saturday, November 18, at 1:00 PM. The Bulldog Radio Network will bring you the live play by play action along with post-game interviews on 102.7FM, KPGZ, through the KPGZ app and online at 1027kearneymo.com.

KPGZ Sports - Mike Davis contributed to this story