Bulldogs Dominate Nevada 35-0 in Quarterfinal Playoff

The Kearney Bulldogs rumbled through the Nevada Tigers in commanding style, as they power on to Jefferson City for the Missouri Class 4 state semifinal game at 1:00 PM this Saturday. 

Senior Cohen Jacobs got on the board in the second quarter with a 3-yard dash to the endzone - Photo courtesy Ray Weikal with the Kearney Missouri School District

The Bulldog defense held its opponent to 13 points or less for the tenth consecutive game this season, in this instance, with a shutout effort that held Nevada to 83 yards rushing and only 2 completed passes for 42 yards.

Senior running back, Cameron Emmons opened the Bulldog scoring onslaught with a 59-yard burst for a touchdown in the first quarter. Jacob Dillon was on target with the PAT.

Minutes later, Senior quarterback, Casey Rooney lobbed a 40-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open Manny Linthacum. Jacob Dillon split the uprights, giving the Bulldogs an early 14-0 lead.

Kearney’s early, first quarter lead would be the shape of things to come as the Bulldogs’ stifling defense held the Nevada Tigers to only 5 first downs and 1 third-down conversion in four quarters of play.

Quarterback Casey Rooney into to the endzone on a quarterback keeper - Photo courtesy Ray Weikal with the Kearney Missouri School District

Meanwhile, the explosive Kearney offense racked up 187 rushing yards on 31 carries and Casey Rooney was 12 of 15 for 198 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Senior, Cohen Jacobs got on the board in the second quarter with a 3-yard dash to the endzone. Jacob Dillon did what he does so well on extra-point kicks, giving Kearney a 21-0 lead. 

It was all Kearney at this point. The blowout became apparent with Rooney’s dive to the endzone on a quarterback keeper. Jacob Dillon predictably, booted another PAT for the 28-point lead.

Head Coach, Logan Minnick engaged the 2-minute offense and Casey Rooney responded with a flawless, 24-yard, over-the-shoulder pass to Cohen Jacobs in the endzone. A Dillon PAT gave Kearney a 35-0 halftime lead.

Kearney’s second unit offense and defense filtered in early during the third quarter assuring the shutout. Sophomore quarterback, Brad Doll was 1 of 1 for 48 yards late in the fourth quarter with a pass to junior, Tre Smith who was tackled just shy of the end zone.

“Any time you can get kids in a playoff game, you’re excited,” said Head Coach Logan Minnick. “At halftime we were scrambling to get some special teams (players), JVs, and twos in. We’re so proud of our kids, especially the defense, who really wanted to maintain the shutout. So, great job by the twos when they went in there to keep that shutout.”

The Bulldogs continue their playoff run on the road against the Jefferson City Jays, at Jefferson City this Saturday, November 25, at 1:00 PM. The Bulldog Radio Network will bring you the live, play-by-play action along with post-game interviews on 102.7FM, KPGZ, through the KPGZ app, and online at 1027kearneymo.com.

KPGZ Sports – Mike Davis contributed to this story.