High school football: Kennett prepares for heat, Hayti

Prepare for everything.

That's the mantra this week for the Kennett High School football team as it embarks on the 2023 season with a Friday date versus rival Hayti.

“It's stressful,” Kennett head coach Andrew Webster said, noting the fact Hayti didn't play in a jamboree last week.

“We don't know what we're going to go up against,” Webster continued. “For a coach, that's nerve-racking.”

The Battle of the Indians has been pushed back to 8 p.m. Friday at Metz Cherry Stadium, on account of concerns with excessive heat.

Kennett athletic director Jim Vaughan made the announcement in a mass text on Wednesday morning.

Webster can take comfort in the fact Kennett went to Hayti last season and picked up a 36-22 victory.

Kennett resumed playing its series with Hayti last year, Webster reported, and the clash has been well-received on both sides. The schools hadn't played each other in more than a decade.

Even though Hayti didn't play in a jamboree, Webster noted from a historical perspective, it has employed primarily a spread offense.

Hayti struggled on offense last year, scoring 134 points across a nine-game schedule, which amounts to 14.8 per contest.

Webster said Hayti is fast defensively. In last year's contest, Hayti used an odd-man front and man-to-man coverage scheme in the secondary.

Still, Hayti allowed 239 points, including 66 in the regular-season finale versus Caruthersville.

Kennett was prolific on offense last year, scoring 362 points. However, the defense was another story. The team surrendered 58 points or more in three games versus statewide powerhouse Valle Catholic and similarly staunch New Madrid County Central.

During the summer, Ty “D.J.” Jones was named the starting quarterback. Kevin Thompson, a 6-foot-2, 255-pound junior, is expected to become one of the area's best offensive linemen this year.

The Indians will be tasked to find a replacement for Daniel Boatman, who rushed for 1,470 yards and 20 TD last season. Boatman is now a freshman at Culver-Stockton College in Canton.

One returning defensive player of note is linebacker Je'Micko Tolliver, who had 73 overall tackles (24 for losses), eight quarterback sacks and three fumble recoveries.

Kaden Taylor, Marquiese Pittman and Caleb Duncan also will fortify the Kennett defense.

INFORMATION

Who: Hayti at Kennett

What's at stake: Both teams will be looking to begin 2023 with a win.

When: 8 p.m.

Where: Metz Cherry Stadium, Kennett

Radio: KTMO 106.5 The Wolf

Last Time Out: Kennett defeated Hayti, 36-22, on the road in 2022.

Editor's Note: Please read today's special football tabloid for preview stories and photos of both the Kennett and Malden football teams.