High school football analysis: Kennett beats the heat

The heat index at 8 p.m. Friday was unbearably in triple-digit figures.

Still, the high school football season was about to begin with Kennett receiving the opening kickoff from Hayti.

More than three hours later, Kennett had its first victory of the season in the bag with a 49-20 victory at Metz Cherry Stadium.

Je'Micko Toliver rushes the quarterback during a football game between Kennett and Hayti on Friday, Aug. 25, at Metz Cherry Stadium in Kennett. The Dunklin County Indians defeated the ones from that other county, 49-20. (Photo by Eric Viccaro, staff)

“I was proud of them,” Kennett head football coach Andrew Webster said regarding the Indians overcoming the heat.

“We were prepared,” Webster continued. “We had Gatorade, Rehydrate, water and cooling towels for the players. We showed a lot of toughness.”

Players weren’t immune to cramps.

Kevin Thompson was out for a period of time during the second quarter. Webster made the determination to play Thompson less on defense in the third and fourth quarters, allowing him more time to play offensively.

Webster also was pleased with how the fans stuck it out.

“People are invested in our program,” the coach noted. “They are proud of what we do, and they want to be a part of it.”

Fans were waving themselves with cooling implements. Dress shirts turned sopping wet and heavy. Some cooled down in their air-conditioned vehicles at halftime.

Webster complimented Hayti for putting up a fight.

Those Indians from Pemiscot County played with plenty of pride, and the turbo clock wasn’t in effect for most of the second half.

Quarterback Tyquavious “D.J.” Jones showed maturity, despite being a sophomore in academic standing.

Jones completed 10-of-15 passes for 224 yards, three TD and just one INT. The most amazing statistic from Friday was his 22.4 yards per reception.

Spencer Potts and Caleb Duncan both snagged at least 76 yards in catches.

Continuing with offensive analysis, heading into the season, Kennett needed to find a replacement for Daniel Boatman.

Well, on Friday, Marquisse Pittman rushed for 134 yards and three TD, showing he’s more than capable of replicating Boatman's numbers.

Overall, the Indians racked up 356 yards, a stout number considering the weather conditions.

Kennett took advantage of a Hayti team that had several short punts and also issues on snaps, which resulted in about 100 negative yards in plays.

Defensively, the Indians forced three turnovers (two interceptions, and one fumble recovery from Chase Davis), and Je’Micko Toliver had three quarterback sacks, Austin Gattis eight solo tackles and one forced fumble.

Webster said ever since 2018, Kennett has preached being opportunistic on defense, and it certainly was here.

Jack Morrison and Kaden Taylor were consistently around the ball, and that’s the type of hawking mentality the Indians will need moving forward.

The opposition is sure to get tougher.

Last year, Kennett opened the season with five consecutive wins before New Madrid County Central humbled them on Sept. 30.

Also last Friday, Caurthersville dominated Malden, 60-6.

THIS WEEK

The Indians will look to keep rolling this Friday at Doniphan.

The Green Wave remain on the road Friday at Kelly in Benton, so it doesn’t get any easier.