Kearney Played Up and Won Out – Takes Down Rockhurst 22-13

A vicious Bulldog defense held the Hawklets to 13 points in a highly anticipated class 4 versus class 6 slugfest between two metro heavyweights.

Kearney (4-0) jumped ahead early on a third-and-goal, Carter Temple to Cruise Emmons screen pass, culminating a 7-minute drive on the Bulldogs’ opening possession. Before the end of the first quarter, Temple delivered an arching spiral to a wide-open Matthew Lindsey for a 52-yard touchdown catch and stayed on target passing to Ian Sheller for the two-point conversion putting the Bulldogs up 15-0.

Carter Temple (15) breaks free for a Bulldog touchdown. Photo by Kale Davis, Backroads Designs.

“We just wanted to get some points up on the board early,” said Temple. “We came out strong the first two drives and punched them in the mouth and that set the tone for the entire game.”

Midway through the second quarter, Rockhurst quarterback Garrett Miller fired a 36-yard touchdown pass to Cash Lewandowski, putting Rockhurst on the board 15-7.

Rockhurst (2-2) entered the contest averaging 34 points per game. Kearney’s defensive ends Grant Bogert and Lane Cook pressured and hit Miller all evening – Bogert with six quarterback pressures and one sack and Cook with four quarterback pressures.

Kearney nose tackle Ryker Bruto recovered a fumble, but perhaps more significantly, he clogged up the interior of one of the biggest offensive lines in the state for four quarters, facing the likes of Rockhurst center Jack Sprague.

Kearney senior linebacker Luke Tucking was a wrecking ball in the Rockhurst backfield with seven solo tackles, one tackle for loss, four quarterback pressures, a sack and a forced fumble.

“We knew that running back (Ben Hayes) was good. We set our game plan around stopping the run and keeping their quarterback contained,” Tucking said. “Those guys are definitely the strongest I've ever played and probably the biggest. It was fun playing them.”

Neither team scored in the third quarter. At 11:52 in the fourth, Carter Temple caught the Rockhurst defense on their heels. Temple faked a handoff to Cruise Emmons and darted 39 yards for the touchdown and a 22-7 lead following the Grant Bogert extra point.

“Their (Rockhurst) running linebackers were filling gaps like crazy,” said Bulldog center Karter Pogue. “Our mindset was as soon as you have that double-team clamped, the guard is going to the linebacker, making sure the running backs are getting those (extra) yards, example: Carter Temple scoring that fourth quarter touchdown.”

“I can't give enough props to the offensive line,” Temple said. “They came into this game wanting to work. We literally can't do it without them.”

With 2:12 to play in the game, Kearney leading 22-7, Rockhurst quarterback Garret Miller hit Tristan Johnson on a 10-yard touchdown reception. A missed extra point wasn’t a factor in the final score. Rockhurst successfully recovered an onside kick with 2:09 to play.

With a first down from the Kearney 34-yard line, Rockhurst snapped the ball in what would be their last scoring opportunity. Miller zipped a pass to the endzone that landed in the hands of Bulldog linebacker Kale Tucking who brought the ball out of the endzone, zigzagging to midfield where the Kearney offense would finish the game in their victory formation.

“It's a full team effort,” said Kearney head coach Logan Minnick. “What an unbelievably cool win. I think this is one of the biggest regular season wins we've had since being here. I’m excited for our community. Offseason, everybody wanted to know why we even agreed to play this game. We play for this kind of situation. Now we are battle tested. We may have another game like this down the road, and we've been in this situation.”

Kearney’s offense adapted to whatever the Rockhurst defense gave them, running the ball 41 times for 191 yards averaging 4.7 yards per carry. Carter Temple was 5 of 9 for 103 yards passing and led the Bulldogs in rushing with 111 yards on 18 carries.

“I think that's why we win big games, because we can do both (run and pass) even better this year. Everybody is doing really well. It's super exciting,” Temple said.

KPGZ News – Mike Davis contributed to this story.

Driver Killed in Crash Involving Kearney School Bus

An adult driver was killed Wednesday morning in a crash involving a passenger vehicle and a school bus carrying six Southview Elementary students near Kearney, authorities said.

Kearney police officers and Kearney Fire & Rescue Protection District crews responded shortly after 8 a.m. to the intersection of Missouri Route 92 and Jesse James Farm Road. The crash involved a passenger vehicle and a Kearney School District bus operated by Durham Transportation Services.

All six children on the bus were evaluated by emergency medical personnel and medically cleared. One student was treated at the scene for a minor injury. The students were either taken to school or picked up by family members, and the bus driver was not injured.

The driver of the passenger vehicle was taken to an area hospital and later pronounced dead from injuries sustained in the crash. Authorities did not immediately release the driver’s identity.

Because of the seriousness of the crash, the Missouri State Highway Patrol was asked to take over the scene and conduct the investigation. No additional details about the cause of the crash were immediately available.

Kearney School District officials said some students may have witnessed or heard distressing details about the crash and its aftermath. Counselors and other staff members are available to help students process what happened, and the district said it is providing additional care and support to those affected.

District officials expressed condolences to the driver’s family and thanked first responders, law enforcement officers, Durham Transportation Services staff and school employees who assisted students at the scene. The district said it will continue supporting the students and families affected by the crash.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Bulldogs Rally Past Smithville for Birchfield’s 200th Kearney Win

Jacklyn Kirkland delivered the decisive blow with a two-run single that put the Bulldogs ahead 4-2. Photo by Kale Davis, Backroads Designs.

The Kearney Bulldogs gave their fans plenty to cheer about Tuesday, rallying past the Smithville Warriors for a 4-2 victory that marked Coach Birchfield’s 200th win as a Kearney Bulldog.

Smithville struck first in the top of the opening inning. Addi Milford brought home a run with a sacrifice fly, and Marleigh McDonald followed with a solo home run to center field, giving the Warriors a 2-0 lead.

The Bulldogs answered in a big way in the bottom of the fourth. Ellie Switzer doubled to plate Kearney’s first run, Ava Peterson tied the game with an RBI single, and Jacklyn Kirkland delivered the decisive blow with a two-run single that put the Bulldogs ahead 4-2.

That was all the support Reghan Lueken needed. The right-hander went the distance for Kearney, allowing five hits and two runs—just one earned—over seven innings. She struck out seven and walked two to earn the win.

Nora Schoening started for Smithville and surrendered two runs on five hits over three innings, striking out three without issuing a walk. Left-hander Maddy Meyer took the loss after allowing two runs on three hits in one inning, with one walk and no strikeouts.

Kirkland, batting eighth in the Kearney lineup, led the Bulldogs with two RBIs and finished 1-for-2. Reese Narron, Kirkland, Avery Campbell, Switzer, Kate Stumpenhaus, Lueken, Peterson and Payton McLean each collected one hit for Kearney.

McDonald and Schoening paced Smithville with two hits apiece. McDonald and Milford each drove in one run from consecutive spots in the order, while Mattie Marchetti stole two bases.

Coach Birchfield’s 200th win as a Kearney Bulldog. Photo by Kale Davis, Backroads Designs.

With the milestone victory, the Bulldogs improved to 8-6 overall and stayed perfect in district play at 2-0—a memorable Tuesday for Coach Birchfield, the team and Bulldog fans.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Drivers, Farmers Urged to Share the Road Safely During 2026 Harvest

As Missouri enters the fall harvest season, motorists and farmers are being urged to stay alert as slow-moving agricultural equipment returns to roadways across the state.

In 2025, Missouri recorded 163 traffic crashes involving farm equipment or implements. One person was killed and 37 people were injured in those crashes.

Farm machinery and passenger vehicles can encounter each other on any road and at any hour. Officials say many collisions can be prevented when everyone treats driving as a full-time responsibility, remains attentive and obeys traffic laws.

Before traveling on a roadway, farmers should make sure equipment is properly marked with working lights and a “slow-moving vehicle” emblem. Lights and reflective materials should be kept clean and free of debris so they remain visible.

Escort vehicles can help warn motorists when equipment is wider than the travel lane, especially on narrow roads or where hills and curves limit sight distance. Equipment operators should stay as far to the right as possible and, when they can, avoid traveling at dawn or dusk, when visibility is reduced.

ATVs used for farming may travel on highways only during daylight hours and must be equipped with lights, a bicycle flag and a “slow-moving vehicle” emblem. Missouri law requires operators younger than 18 to wear a safety helmet, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol recommends helmet use for operators of every age.

State law allows agricultural machinery and implements to operate on state highways after dark for agricultural purposes when the vehicles have the required lighting. Farmers should also use seat belts when operating modern tractors equipped with a roll-over protection structure.

Drivers approaching a tractor or other slow-moving equipment should reduce speed, remain patient and allow extra following distance. They should pass only when they have a clear view of the road ahead and no traffic is approaching. Passing on a bridge or where a hill or curve blocks the view is unsafe.

One common collision occurs when a motorist tries to pass farm equipment that is turning left. A tractor that moves toward the right side of the road may not be inviting traffic to pass; the operator may be preparing for a wide left turn. Motorists should watch the farmer’s hand signals and vehicle lights closely.

Drivers should also watch for farm equipment entering or leaving highways from side roads and driveways. Extra caution is needed around dawn and dusk, when glare from the sun can make machinery and other vehicles more difficult to see.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Pouring Dreams Fundraiser to Support Fulfillment House

The Fulfillment House will host its annual Pouring Dreams fundraiser from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, at Walnut Creek Winery, 90 Main St. in Holt.

The event will feature a silent auction, live music and opportunities for guests to meet associates of The Fulfillment House and their families. Ten percent of food and drink purchases during the evening will be donated to the organization.

The Fulfillment House employs adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through its print and fulfillment operations. Proceeds from Pouring Dreams will directly support employment opportunities and skill-building programs for the adults the organization serves.

Organizers are seeking donations of products, gift cards, services and experiences for the silent auction. Participating businesses will receive visibility among event guests while helping advance the nonprofit’s mission.

Businesses may also support the event through sponsorships ranging from the $250 Community level to the $1,000 Business level.

Silent auction items may be picked up by the Fulfillment House or mailed to The Fulfillment House, 103 S. Jefferson St., Suite B, Kearney, MO 64060.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.