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.

Bulldogs Hold Ft. Osage Scoreless on the Road

The Class 4 defending state champs reloaded their 2024 roster with speed, power, and defense. In a nail-biter against one of the top-ranked teams in Missouri, the Kearney Bulldog defense locked down an explosive Ft. Osage offense for the better part of four quarters.

Bulldog Senior Tre Smith darted through the Ft. Osage defense on a 15-yard reverse in the second quarter for the opening score. Jacob Dillon’s point after gave Kearney a 7-point lead that the defense protected until the Bulldogs scored two touchdowns in the final two minutes – one of which was a pick six – shutting out Ft. Osage 21-0.

“I’m just glad we got the shutout,” said senior linebacker Theo Grace. “Last year, we were a great defense, but we couldn’t get the shutout, so that’s just awesome to see on the scoreboard.”

If indeed, great defenses win championships, the Ft. Osage Indians, and the Kearney Bulldogs have promising futures this season.

Grant Noland - photo by Chrystan Ferrell

“That’ll be one of the best defenses we’ll play against all year and I’m sure their coach will tell you the same thing about ours,” said Kearney head coach Logan Minnick. “That’s one of the best defenses you’re going to see. They’re physical, they run well. That number-seven, Anthony Thompson is one of the best linebackers I’ve coached against in my career. He is an absolute monster. We were throwing two and three guys at him at the same time, and he was still making plays.”

The Bulldogs held tightly to a 7-point lead for nearly three straight quarters as both defenses slugged it out. Ft. Osage threatened to score in the fourth quarter after a sustained drive and a deep pass from Jonathan Ross to Nicholas Penamon. The Bulldog defense prevailed.

Just as Kearney’s offense appeared to have the game salted away on safe running plays up the middle, Grant Noland took the shotgun snap and sprinted outside and down the sideline 35 yards for what appeared to be the final touchdown of the game. Jacob Dillon’s point after gave Kearney a late 14-0 lead.

“During the time-out huddle, Coach Minnick said: ‘Grant, jab-step outside,’ Theo (Grace) got the edge sealed and it worked,” Noland said.

Aidan Arellano Captures the interception and takes it to the house to clinch the win. - Photo by CHrystan Ferrell

In their final possession, under heavy pressure, Ft. Osage quarterback Jonathan Ross threw a late interception as Kearney defensive back Aidan Arellano jumped the pass and ran untouched to the endzone for the pick-6.

“I’m Unbelievably proud of our kids, I think we were in a little bit better shape than they were as it came down the stretch, and we take a lot of pride in that,” Minnick said.

“I love starting off the season with hard games,” said Grace. “Our first four games are hard and that’ll get us ready to play against tougher teams.”

The Bulldogs host Grandview Friday, September 6. KPGZ 102.7 will broadcast the game beginning with the pregame show at 6:40. Kickoff is at 7:00.

Mike Davis contributed to this story.

Bulldog Football Kicks Off Friday

Bulldog Football begins on Friday, August 30, and Kearney begins the season travelling to Fort Osage High School.

The 2023 Class 4 State Champion Kearney Bulldogs

The 2023 Class 4 State Champion Kearney Bulldogs start defending their title Friday night with the first game against the Fort Osage Indians. Coach Minnick told KPGZ that the first game will be a well-fought match up.

“They have three receivers back and a much more athletic and throwing quarterback this year,” Minnick said about the Indians. “They’re going to be a physical football team. They’re going to spread it around.”

The game will be broadcast on 102.7FM, and the KPGZ mobile app.

The game will be played at Fort Osage High School, 2101 N Twyman Rd. Independence, MO. Gates open at 5:30 and tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for K-12 students. Kids under age 5 are free. Only students from Fort Osage and Kearney will be admitted with current student ID.

The game will be broadcast on 102.7FM, KPGZ websites 1027KearneyMO.com and KearneyCountry.com, and the KPGZ mobile app. Pregame starts at 6:40 pm and play-by-play action begins at 7 pm.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.