Bulldogs Clinch Conference Title

The Kearney Bulldogs crushed Excelsior Springs in a 56-0 shutout, finishing the regular season with a 9-0 record and a Suburban Blue Conference championship.

“Our goal to start the year is always to win the conference championship,” said Head Coach Logan Minnick. “I'm excited for the boys to be able to add that date to the banner in the gym. That’ll be there forever.”

Senior running back Tristan Williams began the Bulldog scoring-fest in the first quarter with a 2-yard touchdown run. Photo by Eric Stevens.

This game was never close. Kearney racked up 456 yards of offense and held Excelsior Springs to 51 total yards on a night in which it appeared the entire team saw some playing time.

Kearney’s second team offensive and defensive players were filtering into the game during the first half of play. “I bet we played 80 kids,” said Minnick. “We told (the second unit) at halftime, ‘the expectation is you put more points on the board, and you hold the shutout,’ they did that, and I’m really excited for our young kids.”

Senior running back Tristan Williams began the Bulldog scoring-fest in the first quarter with a 2-yard touchdown run. First quarter scoring continued with a Carter Temple pass to senior wideout Trent Dostal for a 20-yard touchdown; senior running back Grant Noland scoring on a 2-yard run; and Dostal scoring on a 10-yard pass reception. Jacob Dillon was a perfect 4-of-4 on point-after kicks in the opening quarter.

Kearney’s second quarter started with junior quarterback Brad Doll passing to junior tight end Drew Nelson for a 20-yard touchdown. Senior Corbin Emmons scored on a 3-yard carry and Brad Doll scored on a 3-yard quarterback keeper. Dillon was 2-of-2 on point-after kicks following the Nelson and Emmons scores and Angelo Donze split the uprights following Doll’s touchdown.

With a basketball-like scoring pace, Kearney headed to the halftime locker room with a 7-touchdown, 49-0 advantage.

“We told our kids before the game, this is week nine and we should be playing our best football game of the year tonight,” said Minnick. “We just need to continue to stack our best game after best game on top of each other as we go through this playoff run,” he added.

The Bulldog second unit finished the game’s scoring with a 65-yard push pass from freshman quarterback Cade Holder to junior wide receiver Graham Parker, for the 56-0 victory.

Kearney earned a first-round bye next week as district playoffs begin on November 1. The Bulldogs will host either Excelsior Springs or Van Horn at Bulldog Stadium November 8.

Junior tight end Drew Nelson and his teammates are looking forward to the bye week. “Right now, going into this bye week, we just need to get in the weight room and get locked in for these next few weeks. Whoever (we play) doesn't matter. We're just going to bring it to them.”

Mike Davis contributed to this story.

Be Safe This Halloween

It’s that time of year when young ghosts, vampires, superheroes, and cartoon characters are planning their night of trick-or-treating. While some local events take place in large parking lots the weekend prior, many trick-or-treaters will be out on Halloween night. It’s imperative that drivers and pedestrians stay alert.

Young children excited by Halloween could dart in front of a vehicle. Slow down and drive with extra caution. Expect an increase in the number of slow-moving vehicles in neighborhoods as motorists pick up and drop off trick-or-treaters. Please be courteous and stay alert for trick-or-treaters of all ages. Distracted drivers are dangerous drivers─when you’re driving, keep your eyes on the road, not on your phone!

Parents, please remind children to approach only familiar houses that are well-lit. Remind them they should never enter a stranger’s house or vehicle. Consider trick-or-treating with your children for their safety and because it’s a fun way to spend an evening. Give some thought to safety when choosing a costume. Consider using make-up rather than wearing a mask, which can obstruct a child's vision making it difficult to see an oncoming car. A light-colored costume is easier for drivers to see at night and adding reflective tape to dark costumes makes them visible. Flame resistant costumes are encouraged.

All trick-or-treaters are reminded to watch for traffic while they are out and about this Halloween. Remember to look both ways when crossing the street. Use sidewalks wherever possible and trick-or-treat while it is light outside. If you do go out after dark, increase your visibility by using a flashlight and wearing a light-colored costume. An adult should always accompany small children, and older children should stay in groups.

Halloween isn’t just for children. Many adults enjoy dressing up and visiting haunted houses or attending gatherings of friends. If you are driving to a costume party, make sure your costume doesn’t hamper your vision. If you attend a Halloween party that includes alcohol, designate a sober driver for the trip home. Alcohol, even in small amounts, slows reaction time and dulls the senses. Driving after you've had alcohol could have a sad and possibly deadly result.

Press Release by Missouri State Highway Patrol

Kearney Parks Presents Youth Basketball

The Kearney Parks and Recreation Department has announced that it will be offering youth basketball leagues starting November 18.

All games played on Saturdays at Hawthorne Elementary School. Practices will take place at various elementary schools in Kearney on weekday evenings.

Teams are coed and randomly assigned by computer, but players can choose a buddy to play with. Buddies must choose each other to be paired together.

Games will be played on Saturdays at Hawthorne Elementary School. Makeup games could possibly be played mid-week, if snow forces cancellations.

Leagues will be divided in to three categories: 1-2 Grade, 3-4 Grade, and 5-6 Grade.

Fast Info:

Regular Registration: Saturday, October 5, 2024 - Sunday, November 17, 2024

Late Registration: Monday, November 18, 2024 - Monday, November 25, 2024

Program Duration: Monday, November 18, 2024 - Saturday, February 22, 2025

Regular Registration Cost: $95.00

Late Registration Cost: $115.00

Scholarships are available for those in need. Complete confidentiality is maintained throughout the process. Contact Ryan Marcotte at 816-903-4730 for more info.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.

United Fiber Breaks Ground in Kearney

United Fiber, a local fiber-optic network based in Savannah, MO, along with the Kearney Chamber of Commerce hosted a groundbreaking ceremony at City Hall on Wednesday, October 23.

United Fiber has begun construction to bring high speed fiber internet to over 2,000 residences and businesses in downtown Kearney and west of 1-35. They will also offer advanced whole-home Wi-Fi, robust security and parental controls, and a dependable and reliable network.

Phase 1, north of 92 Hwy around 33 Hwy has been completed. Phase 2, north of 92 Hwy, east of 33 Hwy to the golf course is just beginning construction. Phases 3, 4, and 5, south of 92 Hwy and west of I-35 are scheduled for 2025.

“I'm thrilled to welcome United Fiber to Kearney,” said mayor Randy Pogue. “As their presence will address a long-standing need for fast and reliable fiber connectivity in the areas they are expanding to and will provide a great option for residences and businesses alike.”

“Strong, reliable internet fuels economic growth, enhances education and opens new doors for workforce development,” remarked Kearney Chamber of Commerce executive director Stacie Bratcher. “That's why we are excited to welcome United Fiber to Kearney.”

United Fiber is a subsidiary of United Electric Cooperative, similar to Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative. They started 2011 originally to get service to their membership that really needed it. They have increased the company to nearly 40,000 subscribers by the end of the year.

For more information about United Fiber visit UnitedFiber.com.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Bulldog Softball Wins District Final

The Kearney Bulldog Softball team will be able to hang another banner up in the gym. The girls shut out Platte County for the Class 4, District 8 championship on Monday, October 21.

The Bulldogs earned their third-straight district title by beating the Platte County Pirates, 7-0. The Bulldogs put a run on the board in the first inning when Alyssa Quick hit a sacrifice fly, and scored one run. In the fourth inning Morgan Pennington homered to center field and scored two runs.

2024 District Champion Bulldogs. Photo by Andy Paalhar.

Kearney scored four runs in the sixth inning to propel them further in the game. Brooke Paalhar singled, scoring one run, Alyssa Quick homered to right field, scoring two runs, and Jocelyn Lincoln hit a solo home run to center field.

Kate Landewee pitched all seven innings and gave up four hits and zero runs. She struck out nine and walked one.

Quick had three RBIs and was 2-2 on the day. Brooke Paalhar, Kennedi Casey, and Alyssa Quick each collected two hits during the game.

The Bulldogs host the State Quarterfinals on Saturday, October 26, as they face Belton. KPGZ will broadcast the game on 102.7FM and KearneyCountry.com. Game time is TBD.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.