Senior RB Dashaun Leon has been a workhorse for the Falcons. (Courtesy Tom Jones Photography)
Kentlake took on their cross-town rival Kentwood at French Field on Friday night. The Falcons came into the contest with a two game winning streak, while Kentwood was winless at 0-2.
Kentlake received the opening kickoff, starting their initial drive on their own 23 yard line. Senior QB Hudson Potts found junior WR Sam Morasch for a 29 yard catch and run to the Kentwood 12 yard line. Two plays later, senior RB Dashaun Leon broke a 7 yard run for a touchdown. On their opening possession, Kentwood was held to a three-and-out. Following the punt, Kentlake put together another long scoring drive, capped by a 12 yard TD pass from Potts to senior TE Carson Lucas. On their second possession, the Conks were held to another three-and-out and punted down to the Falcons 20 yard line. The first quarter ended with the score 14-0, Kentlake.
The Falcons started the second quarter the same as the first, driving 80 yards for a touchdown. Potts found sophomore WR Blake Peterson for an 18 yard gain on third down to extend the drive, and Potts finished it with a 1 yard run for touchdown. Kentwood picked up their first 1st down of the game at the 4:19 mark of the second quarter, putting together a good drive into the red zone, but the Falcons defense held on fourth down at their own ten yard line. Kentlake regained possession for the remainder of the half, entering the locker room with a 21-0 lead.
Kentwood received the second half kickoff but was held to their third three-and-out of the game. Kentlake was forced to punt for the first time on their first possession of the second half, but the Conks fifth personal foul penalty of the game backed them up to their own 10 yard line. Kentwood was forced to punt again, which Kentlake’s Jalen Taylor returned into Conks territory. Dashaun Leon picked up two first downs on two consecutive runs, and Potts finished with a 23 yard touchdown scamper. With four minutes remaining in the third quarter, Kentlake held a 28-0 lead.
Kentwood responded with a big play, popping a 37 yard touchdown down run. The extra point kick failed, making the score 28-6 Kentlake with 2:55 remaining in the third quarter. The Conks attempted an onside kick, but the ball went out of bounds. Kentlake kept the ball on the ground, grinding clock to the end of the quarter. The Falcons drove the ball to the Conks 30 yard line and turned over on downs. Kentwood responded with a 65 yard drive, using up a lot of time on the game clock, ending with a turnover on downs at the Kentlake five yard line. The Conks took advantage of their final possession, scoring on a TD pass and a two point conversion. With seconds remaining, their onside kick attempt failed and Kentlake assumed victory formation to run out the clock. The final score: Kentlake 28, Kentwood 14.
With the victory, Kentlake improved to 3-0 on the season and were presented with the “Covington Crown” trophy from the City of Covington for the cross-town championship. With an earlier win over Kentridge this season, the Falcons also earned the Claude French trophy for the All-Kent championship. Kentlake moves on to division play this Thursday against Auburn HS (1-2). Kentwood falls to 0-3 for the first time in school history. They will face Todd Beamer (2-1) this week.
Tom Jones Photography, game gallery:
https://www.tomjonesphotography.net/Sports/Football/Football-2018-19/Kentwood-vs-Kentlake-9-14-18
Video recap:
https://www.hudl.com/video/2/5031/5b9d9a270c539508588ad653
KING 5 High School Sports Blitz. Kentlake featured at 5:10 and again at 23:40 in this video:
https://www.king5.com/article/sports/high-school/watch-king-5-high-school-sports-blitz/281-588844780