High school football: Malden plays without suspended coach

MALDEN — The Malden High School football team took to “The Swamp” Friday evening without head coach Shane Kearbey.

Kearbey was suspended from the game because he was ejected during the Green Wave's 50-42 loss to East Prairie on Friday, Sept. 29 — in accordance with Missouri State High School Activities Association guidelines.

According to source speaking on the condition of anonymity, Kearbey will remain suspended indefinitely from coaching until the school board meets later in October.

Nick Nealey served as the interim head coach in Friday's 49-0 loss to Portageville, assisted by Brian Vent and Luke Rayfield.

This has been yet another dramatic turn for Malden football, which is currently in the midst of a 20-game losing skid dating back to the 2021 campaign.

This marks the second straight season for coaching instability within the football program.

Then Malden superintendent and head coach Jeff Bullock stepped down after the team's 36-0 home loss to Kelly on Sept. 2, 2022.

Vent, who has been the Green Wave special teams coordinator, took over as head coach for the remainder of the season.

Reaching further back, the Malden Class of 1988 graduate Bullock replaced Justin Peden in early January 2021. Bullock was the superintendent at Portageville before accepting the same role in his alma mater's school district.

Malden has two games remaining in the regular season, including next week's road contest at Hayti.