Kearney Runs over Belton 42-0

Kearney all-state, senior quarterback, Carter Temple scored on an early first quarter 3-yard burst – his first touchdown of the season, and the first of six Kearney touchdowns in a 42-0 drubbing of the Belton Pirates.

The Missouri Class-4 state champions showcased their senior-laden roster scoring 35 points in the first half. Temple was 11 of 16 for 164 yards passing which included a 14-yard touchdown pass to senior running back Matthew Lindsey. Lindsey rushed for 104 yards and two touchdowns.

Matthew Lindsey charges into the endzone for a touchdown. Photo by Ray Weikal.

Temple ran for two more touchdowns in the second quarter helping stack Kearney’s comfortable 35-0 halftime lead. Lindsey scored again on a 13-yard run late in the third quarter giving Kearney a 42-0 lead going into a scoreless fourth quarter.

Junior running back Cruise Emmons added 45 yards on eight carries to the Bulldogs’ 251 total rushing yards.

Grant Bogert was accurate in kicking five point-after attempts. A failed 2-point attempt midway through the second quarter was remedied before halftime with senior Kale Tucking running successfully for the two-point conversion following a Carter Temple touchdown.

“Super proud of our effort,” said Kearney Head Coach Logan Minnick. “You know, this is the way we needed this game to go. Get the nerves out, hit somebody else, and hats off to our JV defense for holding the shutout.”

Kearney’s defense locked down Belton’s prolific rushing attack – which includes senior running backs Aaden Hall, Caleb Campbell, and junior quarterback Robert Rucker – holding Belton to 119 yards total offense. Belton was 0-5 in passing.

“Our linebacking corps is one of the fastest in the state,” said Kearney senior linebacker, Kale Tucking. “We may not be the biggest out there, so we try to use that speed to our advantage using our leverage.”

“Week one is always a battle to see who can adjust the fastest,” said Kearney defensive coordinator Marcus Brinkley. “We knew we were going to get some sets that we weren't prepared for, adjusting the tight end off and doing some things with their wings, knowing at any moment, they can go 80 yards. So, hats off to our kids. They did a phenomenal job adjusting to the flow of the game as it went on.”

Minnick put the win in perspective during his post-game, on-field gathering.

“Is that the best game we can play? No. And if you're winning 42-nothing and can play better we're really excited about that,” he told the team. “You know teams get so much better from week one to week two. So, we're really excited – and need to be because you’ve got a really good Grain Valley team coming in here next week.”

KPGZ News – Mike Davis contributed to this story.