Kearney Passing Attack Shuts Down Excelsior Springs 44-6.

Kearney stays undefeated (4-0 overall, 2-0 Conference) with a 44-6 victory over Excelsior Springs (1-3) Friday night. The Bulldogs have been primarily a running team through the first three games but they took to the air in their latest victory. 

Kearney Shuts Down Excelsior Springs 44-6 - Photo Courtesy Ray Weikal of the Kearney School District

Junior Quarterback Casey Rooney, connected on 13-17 passes for 237 yards and 3 touchdowns. His favorite target on the night was Junior Wide Receiver Manny Linthacum who hauled in 6 receptions for 147 yards and 2 touchdowns.

The scoring started when Rooney connected with Zach Grace on 3rd and goal from the 11 yard line for his first touchdown pass on the night. The next offensive drive was highlighted by a 49 yard pass from Rooney to Linthacum who made a tremendous over the shoulder catch before going out of bounds at the 3 yard line. The play set up a 3 yard touchdown run by Zach Grace, his second touchdown of the night.

Excelsior Springs scored early in the 2nd quarter on a 5 yard Fullback dive by Ethan Williams. This would be the only score the Tigers could muster versus a stingy Bulldog Defense.

Kearney extended their lead to 21-6 after a Rooney running and passing clinic put the ball on the 8 yard line. The drive was capped by an 8 yard touchdown toss from Rooney to Linthacum on a jet sweep toss. 

The Bulldogs Amassed 346 yards of offense in the 44-6 victory over the Tigers - Photo Courtesy Ray Weikal of the Kearney School District

After a 4th down stop by the Kearney defense, Coach Minnick alertly called a timeout to preserve 1:29 to go before halftime. Kearney only needed 1 play to strike paydirt as Rooney connected with Linthacum on an incredible 63 yard touchdown pass and took at 28-6 lead into the Half. 

After exchanging possessions to start the 2nd half, Kearney Punt Returner, Joe Marshall, took a punt return 37 yards to the Excelsior 3 yard line.  Rooney punched in his first rushing touchdown of the night a few plays later extending the Kearney lead 35-6. 

On 4th and long from deep in their own territory, the Tigers Long Snapper snapped the ball over the punters head for a Kearney safety making the score 37-6 with 2:59 left in the 3rd quarter. 

The last score of the night was a tough 4 yard touchdown run by Senior Running Back Danny Petree which made the final score 44-6. 

Senior Place Kicker Grant Jacobsen was perfect on the night going 6-6 on extra point attempts. 

There was no scoring by either team in the 4th quarter.  Both teams played many substitute players and the game ended with a running clock. 

When the game was over, Kearney Quarterback Casey Rooney was the first person to give credit to his offensive line. Kearney has not given up a sack this entire season and Friday night was no different. Rooney credited his line for giving him time to survey and deliver to his open receiver. 

The 4-0 Kearney Bulldogs will travel to Winnetonka next week to face off against the 0-4 Griffins. 102.7FM-KPGZ will carry the game live at 7:00pm with pre-game starting at 6:40pm. You can listen to all the game coverage on 102.7FM radio, the My Tuner Radio App (search KPGZ) or online at www.1027kearneymo.com. Don’t miss all of the insights and breakdown of the game on the Coach Minnick Show at 11:30am on Thursday on 102.7FM radio, the My Tuner Radio App (search KPGZ) or online at www.1027kearneymo.com, or on the KMO-TV YouTube Channel or the KMO-TV App on Roku.

KPGZ Sports - Kelly Gentry contributed to this story