The Class 4 defending state champs reloaded their 2024 roster with speed, power, and defense. In a nail-biter against one of the top-ranked teams in Missouri, the Kearney Bulldog defense locked down an explosive Ft. Osage offense for the better part of four quarters.

Bulldog Senior Tre Smith darted through the Ft. Osage defense on a 15-yard reverse in the second quarter for the opening score. Jacob Dillon’s point after gave Kearney a 7-point lead that the defense protected until the Bulldogs scored two touchdowns in the final two minutes – one of which was a pick six – shutting out Ft. Osage 21-0.

“I’m just glad we got the shutout,” said senior linebacker Theo Grace. “Last year, we were a great defense, but we couldn’t get the shutout, so that’s just awesome to see on the scoreboard.”

If indeed, great defenses win championships, the Ft. Osage Indians, and the Kearney Bulldogs have promising futures this season.

*Grant Noland - Photo by Chrystan Ferrell*

“That’ll be one of the best defenses we’ll play against all year and I’m sure their coach will tell you the same thing about ours,” said Kearney head coach Logan Minnick. “That’s one of the best defenses you’re going to see. They’re physical, they run well. That number-seven, Anthony Thompson is one of the best linebackers I’ve coached against in my career. He is an absolute monster. We were throwing two and three guys at him at the same time, and he was still making plays.”

The Bulldogs held tightly to a 7-point lead for nearly three straight quarters as both defenses slugged it out. Ft. Osage threatened to score in the fourth quarter after a sustained drive and a deep pass from Jonathan Ross to Nicholas Penamon. The Bulldog defense prevailed.

Just as Kearney’s offense appeared to have the game salted away on safe running plays up the middle, Grant Noland took the shotgun snap and sprinted outside and down the sideline 35 yards for what appeared to be the final touchdown of the game. Jacob Dillon’s point after gave Kearney a late 14-0 lead.

“During the time-out huddle, Coach Minnick said: ‘Grant, jab-step outside,’ Theo (Grace) got the edge sealed and it worked,” Noland said.

*Aidan Arellano Captures the interception and takes it to the house to clinch the win. - Photo by CHrystan Ferrell*

In their final possession, under heavy pressure, Ft. Osage quarterback Jonathan Ross threw a late interception as Kearney defensive back Aidan Arellano jumped the pass and ran untouched to the endzone for the pick-6.

“I’m unbelievably proud of our kids, I think we were in a little bit better shape than they were as it came down the stretch, and we take a lot of pride in that,” Minnick said.

“I love starting off the season with hard games,” said Grace. “Our first four games are hard and that’ll get us ready to play against tougher teams.”

The Bulldogs host Grandview Friday, September 6. KPGZ 102.7 will broadcast the game beginning with the pregame show at 6:40. Kickoff is at 7:00.

Mike Davis contributed to this story.