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.

Kearney School District Honors Veterans on Veterans Day

This year, students, staff, and families throughout Kearney School District came together on Veteran’s Day to pay tribute to those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The day was marked by heartfelt ceremonies and expressions of gratitude across multiple schools in the district.

Photo By Ray Weikal.

At Kearney Junior High, the morning began with a special breakfast in the library for dozens of veterans and their families. The gathering set a tone of appreciation and community. Following breakfast, the school held an assembly for all students. The event featured a flag ceremony led by Boy Scouts, the school choir’s performance of the National Anthem, and moving words of thanks from students to the attending veterans.

Social studies teacher and Boys Wrestling Head Coach Tyler Owen spoke about his experiences serving in the U.S. Army, including his deployment to Afghanistan where he supported a hospital unit. Sergeant Owen encouraged students to live by the values upheld by the military, emphasizing the importance of selfless service to others.

Hawthorne Elementary also observed the day with an all-school assembly. The choir performed patriotic songs, and students shared reflections about the significance of honoring veterans. Many veterans, accompanied by their families, attended the event and were recognized during the ceremony. Afterward, they enjoyed breakfast together in the school lunchroom, further fostering a spirit of appreciation and community engagement.

Throughout the district, the message was clear: honoring veterans is an important tradition that brings together people of all ages. The Kearney School District invites all Bulldogs and members of the community to join in expressing deep gratitude and respect for the men and women who have stepped forward to defend and protect the nation.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Bulldogs to Face Savannah in District Final

The Kearney Bulldogs extended their post season playoff journey with a 67-20 drubbing of the Van Horn Falcons in the Missouri Class 4, District 8 semi-final round.

Kearney’s junior running back, Matthew Lindsey glided to the endzone on a 5-yard touchdown run for the opening score – his first in a prolific, breakout game consisting of four rushing touchdowns and a 2-point conversion reception from Brad Doll.  

Matthew Lindsey glided to the endzone on a 5-yard touchdown run for the opening score – his first in a prolific, breakout game consisting of four rushing touchdowns. Photo by Eric Stevens.

As a first-season transfer player, Lindsey has been building confidence with his Kearney teammates and still learning Head Coach Logan Minnick’s playbook.

“The first couple of games, I was nervous and didn't know the playbook as much as I do now,” said Lindsey. “I’m feeling more and more comfortable and running behind my pads now and couldn’t be more proud of the offensive line. They did a super job tonight.”

The Bulldogs racked up 290 rushing yards on 35 carries spread liberally among a stockpile of talent in the Kearney backfield: Corbin Emmons, Dryden Hendrix, Matthew Lindsey, Cruise Emmons, Hudson Best, and Kendahl Davis.

Quarterback Carter Temple was 3 of 5 passing for 53 yards and a touchdown. With Kearney’s 340 yards of total offense, this game was never close.

For five minutes in the second quarter, Van Horn controlled the clock on a sustained drive that culminated in a 1-yard score by Edarrius Scruggs who was stopped at the 1-foot line, but still able to extend his arms and the football past the goal line. Kearney was unable to score on their ensuing possession.

“We had a little adversity there, we've got to clean up some penalties, you know, especially the unsportsmanlike penalties,” said Head Coach Logan Minnick. “That's not Kearney football and that's something we will get corrected.”

With Kearney leading 14-7, the Van Horn offense was at midfield, second down and ten, as quarterback Bordy Gray’s pass attempt was picked off by Bulldog linebacker Luke Tucking and returned to the Van Horn 30-yard line.

In a dominating momentum shift, the Bulldog varsity completed their evening’s work at halftime with a 51-7 lead. The second and third units finished the second half with two Cruise Emmons touchdown runs. Van Horn’s varsity stayed on the field, scoring twice in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.

“I thought last year in this game we came out a little bit flat, so that was something we preached all week: coming out strong,” said Minnick. “Anytime you put 50 points up in a half, you know you’re doing things pretty well. I’m proud of the way that once we imposed our will, that it was kind of the end of this game.”

The 10-0 Bulldogs host the 10-1 Savannah Savages for the district championship game Friday, November 14, at 7:00 pm.

KPGZ News – Mike Davis contributed to this story.

High Tech Equipment Aids Deputies with DWI Arrest

Late Wednesday just after midnight, a dramatic chase unfolded near N.E. Parvin Road and N. Belmont Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri, when Clay County Deputies combined teamwork and technology to apprehend a suspected drunk driver.

Deputies then deployed a drone equipped with heat-sensing technology, giving officers a real-time thermal image of the area.

It all began when a Traffic Safety Unit deputy attempted to pull over a vehicle traveling without headlights—a telltale sign of impaired driving. Instead of stopping, the driver sped away, nearly colliding with another car headed northbound. Moments later, the suspect lost control of his vehicle and crashed into the back of a parked semi truck's trailer.

Not content to surrender, the driver abandoned his car and fled on foot into Worlds of Fun. Security staff at Worlds of Fun quickly sprang into action, reviewing surveillance footage to track the suspect’s movements inside the park. Their efforts provided law enforcement with a rough estimate of the suspect's location.

Deputies then deployed a drone equipped with heat-sensing technology, giving officers a real-time thermal image of the area. The drone’s advanced imaging capabilities allowed law enforcement to pinpoint the suspect’s whereabouts within the sprawling grounds of Worlds of Fun. Officers from multiple agencies, including the Claycomo Police Department, Pleasant Valley Missouri Police Department, Gladstone MO Police, and Kansas City Missouri Police Department responded swiftly, coordinating to surround the park and ensure the suspect had nowhere to escape.

After a thorough search, officers apprehended the suspect without further incident. Subsequent testing revealed that the driver’s blood alcohol content was well above the legal limit. Police identified the suspect as Reginald L. Finch, 22, who now faces several charges, including aggravated fleeing a stop, driving while intoxicated, and leaving the scene of an accident.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Overnight lane closures on I-35 near North Kearney

The Missouri Department of Transportation will perform lane closures on southbound Interstate 35 near North Kearney for pavement repair, overnight, form approximately 7:00 PM until 6:00 AM each night, beginning Monday, Nov. 10 until Wednesday, Nov. 12. Motorists may experience delays. All work is weather permitting.

Motorists are reminded to slow down and pay attention while driving in work zones. Not all work zones look alike. Work zones can be moving operations, such as striping, patching or mowing. They can also be short-term, temporary lane closures to make quick repairs or remove debris form the roadway.

For more information about MoDOT news, projects or events, please visit our website at //www.modot.org/kansascity.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story.