Bulldogs 5-0 in Homecoming Win over NKC

For the second consecutive week, the Kearney Bulldogs roughed up a Class 6 opponent with unmistakably dominant play at the line of scrimmage – offensive and defensive.

Kearney senior running back Tristan Williams and junior running back Corbin Emmons both scored two rushing touchdowns before halftime. Kicker Jacob Dillon connected on the point-after kicks following three of those touchdowns and ran for a 2-point conversion on the other, taking the Bulldogs to halftime with a 29-0 lead. 

Kearney’s opening possession in the second half was an 84-yard kickoff return for touchdown by senior Grant Noland.

Kearney’s opening possession in the second half was an 84-yard kickoff return for touchdown by senior Grant Noland. North Kansas City hadn’t touched the football, and Kearney’s third quarter advantage loomed large for the Hornets at 36-0.

Junior quarterback Brad Doll stepped in for the starter, Carter Temple in the fourth quarter and scored on a 3-yard keeper to effectively ice the game at 43-0 following the Jacob Dillon PAT.

Late in the fourth quarter, North Kansas City junior quarterback Stephen Thomas broke a tackle on a sweep to the left and ran 80 yards untouched to the end zone for the Hornets’ only score. A missed 2-point conversion left the final score at 43-6.

“We’re getting better every week I think that's pretty evident,” said Bulldog head coach Logan Minnick. “We thought we could win the line of scrimmage this week which was going to be huge in this game with (North Kansas City) wanting to run the ball and us being able to keep it away from them at times.”

Kearney’s defense continues to play fast and physical, pressuring opposing quarterbacks, stopping the run, and neutralizing the passing game in the secondary. Senior Linebacker Theo Grace had 12 tackles, Grant Noland had six and sophomore defensive back Aidan Arellano finished with 4.

Kearney had 56 total plays to the Hornets’ 29, and Kearney had 23 first downs to North Kansas City’s 4.

“I'm so proud of how our kids came out and executed a game plan almost to perfection on a week which I call distraction week and others call homecoming week,” added Minnick. “I’m so excited for our fans, our community; what an awesome day today. It’s the biggest parade I think I've seen here in a long time.”

The 5-0 Kearney Bulldogs are on the road next week. They’ll play at Grain Valley on Friday, October 5. Kickoff is at 7:00 PM.

Mike Davis contributed to this story.

Bulldogs Dominant in 38-14 Win over Smithville

Two Missouri Class 4 rivals fought it out in a game that had multiple late-season implications. Second-ranked Kearney’s victory over third-ranked Smithville gives the Bulldogs a head-to-head advantage in both the Suburban Blue Conference and the Missouri Class 4, District 8 standings.

Kearney sophomore quarterback Carter Temple was 8 of 14 for 98 yards passing. Temple showcased his running ability with 4 carries for 71 yards and a touchdown.

“I couldn’t do it without my guys upfront who block for me,” said Temple. “I'm so thankful for everybody up there. I mean, they gave me so much time and you know my wide receivers, those fast guys, they go up there and get it. I trust them and I know they can get open.”

Kearney sophomore defensive back, Aidan Arellano picked off a pass from Smithville quarterback Peyton Steffen and ran it back for a touchdown midway through the first quarter.

“I was doing my drop back and I see the ball coming,” said Arellano. “Once I had it in my hands, I knew it was (going to) the end zone.” It was Arellano’s second pick-6 and Kearney’s third defensive score this season.

Grant Noland takes the snap for the bulldogs - Photo by Eric Stevens

Senior running back Grant Noland ran two yards for the Bulldogs’ second, first quarter touchdown. Kicker Jacob Dillon added the respective point-after kicks giving Kearney an early two-touchdown lead. Dillon would manufacture an impressive score of his own early in the second quarter. After an earlier missed field goal attempt, Dillon punched a 45-yard field goal between the uprights, giving Kearney a 17-0 lead.

Kearney special teams continue to dazzle as senior wide receiver Tre Smith returned 2 punts averaging 42 yards and two kickoff returns for a 33-yard average.

Smithville scored once in the second quarter on a 5-yard run. Carter Temple responded with a 44-yard touchdown run on a fake handoff to Tristan Williams that fooled everyone in the stadium, giving the Bulldogs a 24-7 halftime lead.

Grant Noland scored his second and third touchdowns of the evening on 1- and 5-yard blasts from the heavy formation in the second half, giving Kearney a 38-7 lead. Smithville scored a late touchdown against the Kearney second-unit defense for the final 38-14 Bulldog win.

“That’s a great program over here,” said Bulldog head coach, Logan Minnick. “It’s been a long, long time since Kearney’s come over here and put a complete game together like that against these guys.”

“I’m fired up. Anytime you can come over here and get a win, like I said, it’s a statement win for our program tonight,” Minnick added.

The Kearney Bulldogs are 3-0 on the season and their schedule doesn’t get any easier over the next 3 weeks. Kearney hosts Class 6, Park Hill on Friday, September 20. KPGZ 102.7FM will broadcast the game. The pregame show begins at 6:40 PM. Kickoff is at 7:00 PM.

Mike Davis contributed to this story.