Bulldogs Trounce Griffins 54-7

Kearney scored 40 points in the first half in a conference win over Winnetonka. The 8-0 Bulldogs can secure the Suburban Blue Conference championship with a win over their next opponent, 2-6 Excelsior Springs.

Dryden Hendrix carries a Winnetonka Defender into the endzone for a bulldog touchdown. Photo: Eric Stevens.

“That's a much-improved team from what we've seen in the past,” said Kearney head coach Logan Minnick. “Our kids came in with the mentality we had to out physical those guys. Hats off to Winnetonka. They're having one of the best years they've had in a while.”

In their last two outings, the Bulldogs have been dominant on offense, defense and special teams. The 5-3 Griffins were averaging over 33 points per game with four shutouts coming into the contest.

The Bulldog offense continues to be a proven scoring threat in the waning minutes before halftime. With 2:03 to play in the first half, a Carter Temple, to Sam Way, to Dryden Hendrix, hook-and-ladder play gave Kearney a 33-7 lead, followed immediately by a Matthew Lindsey 3-yard touchdown run at the 1:32 mark, giving Kearney a commanding 40-7 halftime advantage.

Kearney racked up 267 yards rushing and Carter Temple was 6 of 6 for 156 yards passing as the defense held Winnetonka to 14 rushing yards and 91 passing.

“I’m just proud of the way our kids played all three phases,” said Minnick. “I thought that was huge because they can score from anywhere. Anytime you hold a team averaging  that many points to seven, you feel good.”

In special teams play, Conner Reid blocked a punt that put Kearney in easy scoring position. Defensively, Kale Tucking and Isaac Beaver both had quarterback sacks.

“I thought we had a great night on special teams getting the onside kick and we had a blocked punt there,” added Minnick. “Then, offensively we were really efficient and physical running football.”

KPGZ News – Mike Davis contributed to this story.