Posted on Tue, Nov. 10, 2009 10:15 PM
Kearney proves it could play better
More News
The first time Kearney and Staley met this season, Staley prevailed 21-7 — thanks to six Kearney turnovers.
The second time, however, was a different story, as Kearney got its revenge with a 28-0 victory over previously undefeated Staley Monday night in the sectional round of the Missouri Class 4 state playoffs.
“Our kids were embarrassed the first time we played them,” said Kearney coach Greg Jones. “They wanted to prove they were better than the way they played the first time.”
Kearney will play host to Harrisonville at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in a state quarterfinal.
Orrick streak is over
Orrick football coach Pat Richard stood before his team and tried to find the right words.
It was Monday night, just moments after the Bearcats had just been defeated by Hamilton Penney 51-13 in the sectional round of the Missouri Class 1 state playoffs. Their 40-game winning streak, which had been the longest active streak in Missouri, was over. So were their hopes for a third straight state title.
“It’s been a long time since we’ve done this,” Richard said. “It feels weird, right?”
Richard’s expression, one of surprise, was shared by most of the fans and parents that surrounded the team in the end zone as it huddled together for the final time. Penney dominated the game from the start, rolling up 376 first-half yards to take a 35-6 lead by halftime.
“They were better up front than we thought they were,” said Richard. “They got off the ball up front and whipped us, and that’s what we usually do to other people.”
After Richard’s speech, some members of the Bearcats’ seven-man senior class lingered on the field, hugging each other and coming to grips with the end of their high school football careers.
Senior offensive lineman Ty Griffin was just one player who thanked Richard for a creating a family atmosphere within the team.
“He taught us responsibility, he taught us character and he taught us the will to prepare,” Griffin said. “I thank him for that.”
Orrick finished the season with an 11-1 record.
•SEASONS END: Several other Northland teams had their seasons end on Monday in the sectional round of the Missouri state playoffs. Winnetonka lost to Raymore-Peculiar 42-14, Park Hill lost to Fort Osage 29-6, Richmond lost to Pleasant Hill 21-20 and Lawson lost to Maryville 15-7.
| To reach Terez A. Paylor, call 816-234-4489 or send e-mail to tpaylor@kcstar.com.
Posted on Tue, Nov. 10, 2009 10:15 PM
@Nyx.CommentBody@