Bulldogs Shut out Savannah to Claim District Title

In a gritty battle for the district championship, the number one ranked Kearney Bulldogs shut out the number two ranked Savannah Savages 24-0. The 11-0 Missouri Class-4, District-8 champion Bulldogs are slated for a state quarterfinal rematch with Warrensburg on Saturday, November 22. Kearney won last year’s matchup at Warrensburg 49-14.

Kale Tucking pushes a Savannah Defender out of his way before running another 10 yards, slipping a tackle and then declared down at the 12-yard line. Photo by Eric Stevens.

“An absolute huge shout out to our defense and our defensive staff,” said head coach Logan Minnick. “That's a team that averages over 43 points a game and you come out in the district championship when it really matters, and you hold them to zero – that’s an unbelievable effort from the defense.”

The Bulldog defense slammed the door on Savannah’s prolific ground attack, holding them to 64 yards on 32 attempts – two yards per carry.

“The plan was to just condense the pocket so much that they couldn't run and have to bounce outside,” said senior defensive lineman Mason Beaver. “Then, let our outside linebackers make the play. Our team was really physical. When I was running to the ball, I saw big hit after big hit.”

“Our defense was locked in all week,” said Minnick. “We had kids out there calling plays where it's going, playing great leverage, playing team defense. We took on so many blockers to free up guys to make tackles that just shows you how unselfish they are.”

The Bulldog offensive line was dominant in the trenches as Kearney’s offense racked up 181 rushing yards on 36 carries. Quarterback Carter Temple was 7 of 9 in passing for 124 yards.

“I think we did pretty good,” said junior offensive lineman JD Romero. “There are definitely some things we can get fixed for next week, but right now, we’ll celebrate a little bit and then get folks ready for the next game.”

“I think our running backs did an amazing job,” Romero added. The blocks weren't always the cleanest, but they found ways to get amazing yards.”

Bulldog running back Corbin Emmons imposed his will on the Savannah defense, breaking tackles and powering his way to 115 yards on 12 carries. He recorded the first of his three touchdowns early in the first quarter on a 55-yard carry.

Drew Nelson kicked a 22-yard field goal in the second quarter to put Kearney ahead by 10. Emmons tacked on another rushing touchdown before the half, giving the bulldogs a 17-0 lead at the break.

Emmons scored his third touchdown in the fourth quarter, and the Bulldog defense tightened their grip on Savannah’s offense as the clock ran out for the 24-0 district championship victory.

“I’m so proud of our kids because we haven't really been in a huge physical game like this for four or five weeks now,” said Minnick. “We talk all the time about how important that weight room is and it shows in a game like tonight.”

KPGZ News – Mike Davis contributed to this story.