High school football: Herculaneum withstands late Kennett surge to win

HERCULANEUM — The Kennett High School football players Marquiese Pittman and Jack Morrison scored two successive TD in the game's final six minutes.

However, Herculaneum's lead proved insurmountable as the Blackcats defeated the Indians 32-26 in a Class 3 District 1 tournament contest art Dugan Memorial Field.

Keaton Reeves scored on a two-yard quarterback keeper with 6:30 remaining in the fourth quarter, and Luke Brice added the ensuing two-point conversion — giving Herculaneum a 32-12 lead.

Marquiese Pittman (24) races toward the end zone with a first-half TD during a Class 3 District 1 football game on Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, at Dugan Memorial Field in Herculaneum. Pittman finished the game with three TD.(Photo by Eric Viccaro, staff)

Kennett had trouble contending with Herculaneum's defense, which featured outstanding middle linebacker Demian Light.

Pittman scored Kennett's first TD on the game's opening kickoff, which covered 85 yards.

Then Herculaneum scored on a safety and the Blackcats' Mac Waddell added a short TD run and two-point conversion for a 10-6 lead at the 4:09 mark of the first quarter.

Kennett High School head football coach Andrew Webster draws up a play on a whiteboard during the first half of a Class 3 District 1 playoff football game dated Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, in Herculaneum.(Photo by Eric Viccaro, staff)

The Indians had to play a game of catch up from that point, and Kennett was most successful when Pittman took direct snaps from center, and he scored again in this fashion during the second quarter.

A Kennett drive stalled in the red zone during the third quarter thanks to a false start penalty and several incomplete passes.

Kennett finished with a 4-6 record, its first losing campaign since 2013.

Meanwhile, Herculaneum (5-5) has the tough task of playing regional powerhouse Park Hills Central on Friday, Nov. 3.

Both teams battled sloppy conditions, which featured a pair of rainbursts, including one as halftime approached.

Carter Shewmaker, Kylan Henson, Spencer Potts, Jack Morrison, Kaden Taylor, Chris Jefferson, Mike'Kel Payne, Edward Jones, Ashton Jenkins-Sample and Pittman are all seniors. Pittman is a possible college prospect like Daniel Boatman was last year.

Also in Class 3 District 1, Ste. Genevieve blasted Fredericktown 48-6. The Dragons will play at Dexter — also on Nov. 3.