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.

Go 'Into the Woods' with Bulldog Theatre

The Kearney High School Theatre program will explore the potential pitfalls of pursuing your wishes during its upcoming fall production of the hit Broadway musical, "In the Woods."

The curtain will rise at 7 p.m. on Nov. 6-7 and Nov. 9-10 in the recently refurbished Kearney High School Auditorium for the "Into the Woods" production. There will also be 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday, Nov. 9, and Sunday, Nov. 10.

Visit the Kearney High School Theatre online box office at www.our.show/into-the-woods to purchase tickets today. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.

"Into the Woods" was composed and written by Stephen Sondheim in 1986. It retells and remixes traditional folk tales as the characters face challenges while pursuing their wishes.

This production is another great opportunity for the entire Bulldog community to be entertained by the talented actors, musicians and tech crew members in Kearney School District. The musical is being led by KHS Theatre Director Haley Kernes and Music Director Dustin McKinney.

The production team is excited to put on a show that will be fun for your entire family, according to Ms. Kernes.

"Our high school and junior high students have been working very hard this past month in rehearsals," Kernes said. "I am super happy with our progress, and I know the students cannot wait to share this production with the community!"

Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

Clay County Comprehensive Plan Online for Public Review

Clay County is in the final stages of the Comprehensive Planning process. The final draft plan recommendations will be available online for public review and comment from Sept. 19 through Sept 30 at ClayCountyCompass.com.

There will also be an informational booth for the public to view the final draft plan at the Liberty Fall Festival on Friday, Sept 27 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Saturday, Sept 28 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Liberty City Hall Fountain. The public is encouraged to view the plan and share any final comments.

The final plan recommendations are slated to go before the Planning & Zoning Commission for adoption on December 3, 2024.

The goal of the plan is to provide the community with a compelling vision and plan that will be used to guide decision-making and development. The Plan will provide an inclusive framework for the orderly and consistent planning for future growth of the unincorporated portion of the County with collaboration from the municipalities and jurisdictions within the area. The core Plan elements include land use, economic development, mobility, environment, and collaboration.

For more information please visit ClayCountyCompass.com.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Bulldog Softball Steamrolls Winnetonka

The Kearney Varsity softball team traveled to Winnetonka on Monday to play the Griffins in their third conference game of the season. Kate Landewee pitched a perfect 5-inning game to shutout Winnetonka, 13-0.

The Bulldogs struck first in the top of the first inning and never looked back. Morgan Pennington hit a sacrifice fly, scoring one run, and Jocelyn Lincoln singled, scoring two runs.

Kennedi Casey Kennedi collected 3 hits on 4 at bats during the game, hit a double to drive in 3 runs, and collected 2 runs.

Kearney added two runs in the second inning when Brooke Paalhar singled following a 7-pitch at-bat. The team racked up six runs on five hits in the top of the third inning. Kennedi Casey doubled, scoring three runs, Pennington singled, scoring two runs, and Kate Stumpenhaus singled, scoring one run.

Kennedi Casey Kennedi collected 3 hits on 4 at bats during the game, hit a double to drive in 3 runs, and collected 2 runs.

Pennington and Casey each drove in three runs; Ryleigh Van Emmerik and Landewee each collected multiple hits as well. Macy Morrow and Ashlynn Blank went 1 for 1. Ellie Switzer had 1 RBI. Jocelyn Lincoln went 1 for 2 with 2 RBIs. Caroline Jury made 15 plays at the plate.

Kate Landewee struck out 13 batters on the day. She gave up three hits and zero runs over five innings with no walks.

The Bulldogs are on an 11-game winning streak. Their season record is 16-2 and 3-0 in conference play.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Bulldogs Overwhelm Class-6 Park Hill 38-17

Kearney scored first with a 1-yard, Grant Nolan touchdown run in the second quarter and never looked back. A mauling Bulldog defensive front and adept coverage from the secondary frustrated Park Hill’s high-power offense from start to finish.

 “The biggest thing I keep thinking about this game is how much pride we take in that weight room. I think it showed if we're class 4 or class 6, it doesn't matter, the way our kids get after it in that weight room,” said Kearney Head Coach Logan Minnick. “They had some athletes over there. We won this game on the line of scrimmage, and we were pretty dominant.”

The Class-4 Bulldogs Dominated over Class-6 Park Hill - Photo by Kelly Gentry.

Park Hill got on the board with an Anna Anderson field goal at 4:49 in the second quarter. Kearney’s Jacob Dillon returned the favor with a 39-yard kick through the uprights with 1:21 to go in the half.

With less than ten seconds to go, it seemed Kearney would head to the halftime locker room with a 10-3 advantage until Bulldog quarterback Carter Temple threw a perfect 35-yard strike to the back of the end zone and into the outstretched hands of Grant Nolan.

Jacob Dillon’s point after kick gave the Bulldogs a 17-3 lead and they had the first possession of the second half. By 8:21 in the third quarter, Kearney was on the board again on a Corbin Emmons 45-yard dash to the end zone. Dillon followed up with the PAT as the Bulldogs took over the game at 24-3.

Kearney took advantage of the lead with a heavy running attack through the second half. The Bulldogs amassed 452 offensive yards: 114 passing and a devastating 338 on the ground. Junior Corbin Emmons (168 yards), and Senior Tristan Williams (106 yards) carried the rushing load.

“We were getting five or six yards before we would even get touched, both me and Corbin, so, (our O-line) was pretty good,” said senior running back Tristan Williams.

“We trust those guys back there with the rock,” said senior left tackle, Joe Schranz. “They run hard. I love to see it every single time.”

Park Hill quarterback Zane Thomas connected twice with wide receiver, Dante Dixon for two touchdown scores in the fourth quarter. The first for 30 yards and the second for 80 yards when Dixon broke free over the Bulldog secondary.

Bulldog quarterback Carter Temple ran 18 yards for a touchdown on a designed keeper play in the fourth quarter. Kearney led 31-17 with 4:38 remaining in the game when Temple handed the ball to Tristan Williams for a 1-yard touchdown and the 38-17 win over Park Hill.

“I’m just so proud of the way our kids came out,” said Minnick. “We said all week, to match them or to win this game, we're going to have to be the most physical team and I thought that showed up time and time again.”  

The 4-0 Kearney Bulldogs host Class 6, North Kansas City on Friday, September 27. 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.