High school football: Pittman proves his stock in Kennett’s finale

HERCULANEUM — Kennett High School head football coach Andrew Webster cautioned all season long how young the Indians were.

Several seniors, however, didn't want their seasons to end as it did last Friday — and Marquiese Pittman proved to be Kennett's heart and soul in this Class 3 District 1 opening-round game.

Pittman once again showcased his running talents in Kennett's 32-26 loss to Herculaneum at Dugan Memorial Field.

Kennett offensive lineman Kevin Thompson (top), shown here blocking Herculaneum�s Camron Light (61) was a big reason why Marquiese Pittman had such a stout season.(Photo by Eric Viccaro, staff)

One hour before kickoff, there was a sudden rainburst as a cool front marched in to Jefferson County.

Field conditions changed in a hurry. Spots turned muddy thanks to players' cleats gnawing on the grass.

Pittman on the game's opening kickoff scored on an 85-yard kickoff return. The wheels were in motion for a successful night.

Kennett defender Austin Gattis (52) lunges to make a tackle during a Class 3 District 1 first-round game at Herculaneum dated Friday, Oct. 27, 2023. (Photo by Eric Viccaro, staff)

However, Herculaneum went on to score the next 18 points on a safety, a pair of TD and a two-point conversion. Tried as it might, Kennett couldn't recover from that run.

Pittman finished with 145 yards and two TD rushing — in addition to his dazzling work on special teams. He averaged more than seven yards per attempt.

The senior waited for his chance to shine after the graduation of Daniel Boatman, who is currently playing for Culver-Stockton College in Canton.

Kennett football players Karson Manley (7), Kylan Henson (10) and Antonio Flakes (33) surround Herculaneum's Anthony Gallina (21) during a Class 3 District 1 tournament game on Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, at Herculaneum. (Photo by Eric Viccaro, staff)

Pittman chewed up 1,146 yards on 181 carries this season (6.4 per attempt). He finished with 19 TD combined rushing, receiving and on special teams.

“Marquiese is a good football player,” Webster said. “He ran really hard, and was our workhorse running back. He made some very timely plays.”

Pittman had an impact in wins over Sikeston, Caruthersville and East Prairie.

It was up to Pittman to be a playmaker — and in part — take the pressure off sophomore quarterback Tyquavious Jones (who finished with 1,094 yards passing, eight TD and five INT). Jones was named starter in July, and the decision was a sound one.

It's been said before, but it bears repeating. Pittman is talented enough to play on the college level, like Boatman before him. That needs to happen.

Webster also wanted to thank Jack Morrison for his time wearing the black and gold. Morrison was the Indians' leading receiver in the loss to Herculaneum. Chris Jefferson also has been one of the team's anchors as a senior.

Speaking of running backs, Kennett's defense had trouble with Herculaneum's committee-like approach at the position.

Four different running backs totaled 255 yards on 47 attempts, with Mac Waddell gaining 78 of them on just seven attempts. Luke Brice had the most carries with 19. All four ballcarriers finished with more than 50 yards apiece.

The Blackcats, as expected, didn't pass much. In fact, Herculaneum passed just once.

Defensively, the Light boys were “as advertised.” Demian Light finished with six tackles (including four solo stops). Camron added three stops. Waddell collected five solo tackles.

So while Kennett's season uncharacteristically ends without a single game in November, Herculaneum plays at Park Hills Central this Friday at 7 p.m.

“We were a very young team this year,” Webster concluded. “I bet our average age was about 15 years old (for a player). We have a lot of promise with our underclassmen, and I am very much looking forward to the future.”

Meanwhile, in the other half of the bracket, Ste. Genevieve travels to Dexter. The Dragons blasted Fredericktown, 48-6, in another rain-soaked game.

OTHER GAMES

Also on Friday, Caruthersville blasted Kelly 49-7 in the Class 2 District 1 tournament. The Tigers now play state powerhouse Valle Catholic at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3.

New Madrid County Central earned a 13-0 forfeit win over Malden. The Eagles will play host to Scott City, also at 7 p.m. Friday. Scott City pounded E ast Prairie, 56-8.

Rounding out the scores from last Friday, Miller defeated road-weary Hayti 34-6. Miller, a school located west of Springfield, plays Marionville Friday. Hayti finished the season at 1-8, its lone win over Malden on Homecoming Oct. 13.