Photo Credit: Jeff Stead/PrepsKC 
Kearney playing Smithville in the playoffs is nothing new, Kearney coming out on top however is. A rematch from a week 3 game in which Smithville won 41-21, Kearney had a goal coming into this game of only allowing 13 points, and they did just that.
The first quarter was a back-and-forth battle. Smithville would punt their first possession, Kearney would drive the ball but ultimately fumble, giving the ball back to Smithville.
With 9:44 left to go in the half, Senior Warrior Quarterback Jake Shaffer would find senior tight end Kaulen Mueller for a 7-yard Touchdown pass, giving Smithville a 7-0 lead.
Following the kickoff, on the first play from scrimmage senior Cohen Jacobs would get loose on a sweep and run for a 70-yard Touchdown.
The Bulldogs would get the ball back after a Warriors’ punt and were looking to score quickly. A pitch to RB Jacobs would turn into a pass, as he launched it to a wide-open Bryce Page for a 47 yard Touchdown. Kearney would be successful on the 2-point conversion and with 3:31 left to go in the half they had a 15-7 lead.
Smithville would put a good drive together. A screen pass from Shaffer to Ayden Ambroson, would put the Warriors in good field position. A costly fumble however would give Kearney the ball back and leave Smithville down 15-7 at the half.
Kearney got the ball to start the half and wasted no time moving the ball down the field. Senior Quarterback Casey Rooney broke off some long runs, followed by a big run from Sophomore RB Corbin Emmons putting the Bulldogs inside the 10-yard line. Junior Grant Noland would find the endzone on a sweep and give Kearney a 22-7 lead with 10:02 left in the 3rd quarter.
Smithville would drive the ball all the way down to the 6 yard line but the Kearney defense would hold strong and force Smithville to go for it on 4th down. A reverse attempt was bobbled and the Bulldogs would gain possession.
Kearney would punt the ball away and Smithville took advantage of a short punt. Shaffer would throw a fade ball to Senior Max Mckenzie for a 15-yard touchdown, the extra point was missed and Smithville was down 22-13.
Kearney would continue to pound the ball, senior Cameron Emmons would find the endzone after a tough 19 yard run. Pushing the Bulldogs lead to 29-13.
Smithville continued to battle, after a turnover on downs the defense forced Kearney to punt. Smithville was looking to move the ball down the field but the Bulldogs would force a fumble that was picked up by Senior LB Carson Shear.
Kearney would get a first down and run the clock out from there, to come away with a 29-13 victory and District Championship.
Kearney will host District 7 champion Nevada next week.
