Playing short-handed in all phases of the game, Kenston turned in its best defensive effort of the season and defeated WRC-rival Mayfield 14-7.
In the game's opening drive, Kenston could not get anything going and was forced to punt. It looked like Mayfield would return suit but they pulled out a trick play on fourth down, rumbling 41 yards off of a deceptive upback keeper. On the next play, they dove into the end zone to take a 7-0 lead just minutes into the game.
Kenston turned to the run game on the next drive and after eight straight rushes shared by the backfield of Will Hamm and Tucker Meeks, Hamm broke off a 41-yard run of his own for a touchdown to even the score at 7-7 just before the close of the first quarter.
For the next two quarters, each team's defensive unit dominated. No one would score again until the fourth quarter when Kenston turned to the pass game for a spark.
On the heels of a huge turnover on downs forced by the Bomber D and game-saving tackle by Tommy Seifried, Adam Barr threw a six yard pass to Hamm who then lateralled to teammate Max George who sprinted for an additional 28 yards down the sideline - a perfect execution of the classic hook and ladder play.
Another pass from Barr to Ethan Black gained nine yards and was followed by a 30-yard play from Barr to George to the Mayfield seven-yard line. Meeks then took a handoff to paydirt to give Kenston the 14-7 lead.
On the final drive, Colin Weiland pressured the Wildcat quarterback into intentional grounding for a loss of 20 yards and Cade White ended the last threat of the game with a big interception.
The seven points represented the least amount of points surrendered all season by the Bomber defense, who entered the game with a massive number of injured starters.
Meeks turned in a star performance on both sides of the ball, never coming off of the field. He had a career high 10 carries for 61 yards and a TD rushing and on defense, he had eight tackles and a QB pressure. Weiland and Jake Rostocil combined for 18 tackles, a TFL, five hurries, a fumble recovery and the induced intentional grounding play.
Barr completed seven of nine passes for 114 yards and Hamm rushed 19 times for 78 yards. George led all Kenston receivers with three catches and 75 yards.
The win clinched a playoff spot for Kenston in Division III, Region 9 as they currently sit in the fifth spot. Many scenarios exist and can turn the bracket on its head in the final week of the season, however, the Bombers will make a postseason run for the eighth straight season.
In addition to improving their playoff slot, much remains on the line for the team in Week 10. Kenston will travel to arch nemesis Chardon with a chance to win its third straight WRC Championship on October 24.
