*Offensive linemen JD Romero (70) and Sawyer Ritter (58) clear the way ahead. Photo: Kale Davis, Backroads Designs.*

A three-touchdown fourth quarter by Kearney Bulldog senior quarterback Carter Temple slammed the door on the St. Pius Warriors 31-6 in a highly anticipated matchup between two Missouri powerhouses.

Bulldog senior linebacker and kick returner Kale Tucking ran back the opening kickoff 92 yards for a lead Kearney would never relinquish. A Grant Bogert point after and 33-yard field goal gave Kearney a short-lived 10-0 lead, until St. Pius quarterback Jake Nichols threw a quick pass to his reliable target, Chase Brookings in the endzone for the first and only points the Warriors would score. The second and third quarters remained locked at 10-6.

“That's one of the best teams in the state regardless of class,” said Kearney head coach, Logan Minnick. “So proud of our kids. We told them it was going to be a heavyweight punch – they were going to land some punches, and we were going to land some punches.”

Both teams had captured early-season wins over class 6 Rockhurst. This matchup was dead-even, and while the rankings coming into the game might have given Kearney a slight edge, the way in which both defenses slugged it out for four quarters left no doubt these were two of the best teams in the state.

A late first half interception in the endzone by Kearney linebacker Luke Tucking halted a lengthy drive and potential score going into halftime by a talented St. Pius offense. Kearney linebacker Jackson Lager made his presence felt in pass coverage with multiple pass breakups, a fumble recovery and a critical fourth quarter redzone interception.

“Proud of the whole overall defensive effort. That team is averaging over 40 points a game. You hold them to the six they scored on their second drive, then nothing from that point on, that's what we do here,” said Minnick.

*Kearney Bulldog offense on the move to another score. Photo: Kale Davis, Backroads Designs.*

Carter Temple ran through St. Pius linebacker, Thomas Dickerson and flew by two more Warrior defenders to the corner of the endzone on a 31-yard keeper at the top of the fourth quarter. Kearney’s momentum surged as the senior team captain led the Bulldog charge to victory with two final scores, a 27-yard pass to tight end Caleb Stevens, and a goal line carry behind a fired-up Kearney Bulldog offensive line with 1:48 remaining.

The Bulldogs (6-0) remain undefeated and return to conference play at Raytown South (3-3) next Friday, October 9.

KPGZ News – Mike Davis and Kelly Gentry contributed to this story.