Jake Kracl // KHS v. Bellevue West // RICK TUCKER PHOTOGRAPHY
KEARNEY – The slog of a game appeared to favor Bellevue West, as the Thunderbirds – led by their future Husker quarterback Daniel Kaelin – had more offensive plays, yards, and time of possession entering the final quarter of play but Kearney’s grit and underdog mentality prevailed in a 16-14 win at Foster Field Friday night. Click here to listen to the broadcast replay.
Kearney entered the contest at 3-0 having won over Lincoln East, Fremont, and Lincoln North Star with ease – having only trailed in the first game of the year before overpowering East late in the second half. Bellevue West was not as lucky, having faced several preseason favorites in Creighton Prep (a 27-14 win), Omaha North (25-7 loss at home), Omaha Burke (41-28 win), and dropping a 45-12 beatdown at home to top-rated Westside the week prior.
History was ready to be re-written for both sides: Bellevue West had dominated each matchup at Foster Field since 2019 having an average margin of win by 36 points while Kearney’s wins in 2020 and 2022 (a 35-34 win) both came on the road with an average margin of victory by a single digit. Kearney had never beaten Bellevue West at home.
The contest with the Bearcats only became more difficult for the visiting team as their top two receivers – also Nebraska Football commits – Dae’Vonn Hall and Isiah McMorris were both out due to injuries for the Thunderbirds’ trip to Central Nebraska. Nevertheless, Kearney expected a dogfight entering Ron & Carol Cope Stadium Friday night.
Eli Randolph // KHS v. Bellevue West // RICK TUCKER PHOTOGRAPHY
Kearney played defense to open the game as the Thunderbirds won the coin toss and elected to receive to open the game. Only two plays in, Kearney’s defense jumped on an early opportunity as a fumble was recovered by the Bearcats. Kearney’s offense set up at the Bellevue West 25 yard line, only to be shut down in three plays to bring on junior kicker Jake Kracl for his first field goal – good from 41 yards out. 3-0 Kearney in the first quarter.
Reese Bertrand & Cole Brandt // KHS v. Bellevue West // RICK TUCKER PHOTOGRAPHY
The next drive for Kaelin’s Thunderbirds would drive close into Kearney territory, but ultimately fall short on an incomplete pass to bring a turnover on downs.
Baker Bertand // KHS v. Bellevue West // RICK TUCKER PHOTOGRAPHY
Kearney’s offense began their lack-luster first half with another three-and-out, giving the ball to Bellevue West to start an impressive march at their own 26 yard line. Kaelin and head coach Michael Huffman mixed up the pass and run, churning for small gains and converting each third and fourth down as the Thunderbirds used nineteen plays for a seventy-four yard scoring drive that evaporated the first quarter clock well into the second. Kaelin would cross the goaline on a one yard touchdown plunge on fourth and goal, giving Bellevue West a 7-3 lead in the second quarter.
KHS v. Bellevue West // RICK TUCKER PHOTOGRAPHY
Kearney’s offense again sputtered – forced by a sack by Bellevue West – punting again. New life for Kearney however, as another fumble by Bellevue West was recovered by Baker Bertrand of the Bearcats. Kearney used the excellent field position to maneuver into Kracl territory again, converting a 42 yard field goal to trail 7-6 in the second.
Bellevue West would again drive down the field, using fourteen offensive plays moving into Kearney territory. The Bearcats defense stiffened up – holding off the Thunderbird attack and a 41 yard field goal attempt by Ian Shepard was short off a block by Kearney resulting in a one point game at halftime. Kearney trailed 7-6 entering the extended break.
The Bearcats opened the second half with another three-and-out, unable to get the ball rolling against a tougher than anticipated Bellevue West defense. The Kearney defense, however, stepped up when needed as junior linebacker Sawyer Schilke brought down Kaelin for a sack to force a punt on the next drive. Despite the defensive pressure, Kearney’s offense again sputtered to a three-and-out and a punt.
The Bearcats defense held firm holding three consecutive incompletions, coupled with critical holding penalties against Bellevue West, to force a punt and give the Bearcats key field position at their own forty.
But, as the rest of the contest had went so far, Kearney had another three-and-out. The Bearcats were stifled to less than 100 yards of total offense at the middle third quarter mark.
Eli Randolph // KHS v. Bellevue West // RICK TUCKER PHOTOGRAPHY
Bellevue West took control at their own 22 yard line, and pushed the ball downfield on outside routes for minimal gains. The big play itch looked to be scratched by Bellevue West, but Kearney’s Kaleb Larson anticipated and intercepted a throw, giving a big return for Kearney to push inside of Bellevue West territory. The return gave Kearney the ball and momentum into the fourth quarter, still trailing 7-6.
Kearney’s offense finally got their juice, as junior quarterback Griffin Novacek hit receiver Ian Piper on a critical third down conversion. The signal caller then found senior Karter Lee for his first score of the season – a rainbow shot to the post for a 26 yard touchdown score to take Kearney’s lead 13-7 with 11:06 remaining.
Karter Lee // KHS v. Bellevue West // RICK TUCKER PHOTOGRAPHY
Bellevue West was unfazed, however, leaning on their ultra-talented quarterback to lead them down the field on a thirteen play drive ending with a one yard touchdown run by Kaelin – his second of the night. 80 yards later, Kearney trailed 14-13.
As Kearney began their next drive, the worn-out Bellevue West rush gave way to big passing plays again for Lee. A back-breaking pass interference call gave Kearney another set of downs, as the Bearcats ripped off a first down run by Schilke to then get themselves into position for a 27 yard field goal off the left hashmark. After a timeout, Kracl connected with less than ninety seconds to play as Kearney led 16-14.
Kaelin – armed with two timeouts – could not march down the field as a near interception was dropped on fourth and one. A turnover on downs gave Kearney the final blow as Novacek ended the contest in victory formation, moving teh Bearcats past the Thunderbirds for the second consecutive matchup.
Kearney (4-0) heads to North Platte next Friday as the Bulldogs earned their first win of the season over Columbus earlier in the evening.
Bellevue West (2-3) travels to Omaha South next Friday night.
UNOFFICIAL KGFW STATS:
Passing: Griffin Novacek: 10/14, 111 pass yards, 1 touchdown
Rushing: 25 carries, 79 yards, 0 TD
Eli Randolph: 14 carries, 52 yards
Able Molina: 1 carry, 8 yards
Griffin Novacek: 9 carries, 11 yards
Sawyer Schilke: 1 carry, 8 yards
Receiving:
Karter Lee: 2 receptions, 48 yards, 1 touchdown
Zander Reuling: 4 receptions, 13 yards
Zaire LaGrone-Miller: 1 reception, 27 yards
Ian Piper: 1 reception, 12 yards
Beau Skala: 1 reception, 9 yards
Eli Randolph: 1 reception, 2 yards
