Penney defeats Tigers in Homecoming game 29-12
Penney High's Homecoming game against KCI opponent Plattsburg was delayed 30 plus minutes prior to the scheduled 7:00 p.m start because of lightning in the area, and again with 3:16 remaining in the 1st quarter, but that didn't phase the Hornets as they went on to defeat the Tigers 29-12.
The first quarter began with strong winds out of the North and soon a hard rain accompanied the cooling temperatures. With 3:16 left in the opening quarter, play was stopped in a scoreless game and the Tigers facing a 1st and ten at their own 30 yard line. The wind had died down and the rain was reduced to a sprinkle.
The second quarter began with Plattsburg knocking on the door at the Hornet 8 yard line. On 2nd and goal, the Tigers' 6 yard touchdown run was called back for holding. Thanks to Brock Swindler breaking up a potential TD pass, Hamilton took over on downs at their own 11 yard line. Penney High moved the ball to the Plattsburg 15 when, on 4th and 4, quarterback Jaran Richman hit tight end Telly Harper for the games initial score. Swindler's kick gave the Hornets a 7-0 lead and 6:28 remaining in the opening half. Later in the quarter, LaTroy Harper returned a Tiger punt 60 yards, but the half ended with Hamilton throwing an incomplete pass to the end zone from the Plattsburg 7 yard line.
With Penney High leading 7-0 in the 3rd quarter, the Tigers got on the board when quarterback Daniel O'Connor threw a touchdown pass to Tanner Sims. The 2-point attempt failed and the Hornets had a slim 7-6 lead with 6:14 on the 3rd quarter clock. Later in the quarter, Richman threw a perfect pass to Telly Harper who made a great catch at the front corner of the end zone for a 40 yard touchdown. Swindler's kick gave the home team a 14-6 lead and 3:43 left in the 3rd.
The score remained the same entering the final quarter. During the final 12 minutes, Richman punted the ball inside the Plattsburg 5 yard line. With the Tigers moving the ball toward mid field, outside linebacker Telly Harper dislodged the ball from the receiver and the Hornets recovered the fumble. Further in the quarter, T.C. East ran 10 yards for the score with 8:05 left in the game. Hamilton lined up for the extra point kick, but holder Korby Ford threw a pass to Telly Harper for the 2-point conversion and a 22-6 Penney High lead. With 5:15 on the clock, O'Connor again hooked up with Tanner Sims, this time from 26 yards out. The 2-point run was stopped 1 yard short by a good defensive play by defensive back Richman. The on side kick attempt by the visitors turned into a 47 yard touchdown return by Swindler who broke a couple of tackles before racing into the end zone. Swindler's kick made the final score 29-12.
Richman completed 5 passes in 10 attempts for 80 yards and a touchdown, plus rushing for 7 yards in 12 carries. The offensive line provided plenty of running room for T.C. East who rushed for 141 yards and 1 TD on 20 carries. Kyle Elliott ran for 5 yards on 1 carry. Telly Harper caught 2 passes for 55 yards and 2 touchdowns plus the 2-point conversion. LaTroy Harper caught 3 passes for 22 yards. Kyle Elliott and Garrett Trosper both recorded 8 tackles, while Brock Swindler, T.C. East (2 for loss), and Kenny Pulley each recorded 7. Tyler Trosper, who sacked the quarterback twice, and Korby Ford, made 5 tackles. 4 tackles were credited to Jaran Richman and Telly Harper, 2 for LaTroy Harper and Jacob Roberts, and 1 for Caden Brown. LaTroy Harper returned 2 punts for a total of 96 yards. Brock Swindler went 3 for 3 in extra point kicks. The Hornets ran for 153 yards, passed for 80 yards, recorded 15 first downs, went 6 for 11 on 3rd down plays, and 2 of 4 on 4th downs.
Penney High coach Caleb Obert thought the boys showed a lot of poise in handling the weather delays. He went on to say, " The offense and defense played well, but special teams played a big part in the win. We were able to pin them deep a couple of times on great punts by Jaran, and our return game gave us excellent field position, including the on-side kick return for a touchdown by Brock." As far as their next opponent, Coach remarked, " West Platte is a quality team with multiple threats."
The Hornets take their 4-1, 3-0 KCI record on the road to Weston this Friday night where they will face the Bluejays.
