Walk-off wins are generally connected to baseball when a score means an automatically win because the other team does not have a chance to respond. Friday night, Kennedale scored the final touchdown early in the 3rd quarter, shortly thereafter both teams apparently agreed to run out the clock.
In one of the more unusual games played at Wildcat Stadium, the two teams stood around for over a quarter and a half as the clock ticked off the time. Part of that time was eaten up as the two head coaches met on the field to talk. Another good chunk of time was used as the referees conferred with each other and then with the opposing coaches. Why? The game was on the verge of becoming a barroom brawl.
While Kennedale was dominating the scoreboard and the stats early, Eastern Hills frustration was coming to a raging boil. Kennedale scored 23 points in the first quarter and another 20 points in the second quarter, all the while shutting down the Eastern Hills Highlanders completely.
For the game, Eastern Hills had a total of 15 yards (27 passing and -12 rushing). It has to be noted that Eastern kept hurting themselves as penalties often contributed to stopping offensive drives. They had 3 first downs to 13 by Kennedale. Kennedale passed for 82 yards (6-3) and rushed for 158 yards averaging 6.87 yards.
But this game was dictated by the self-destructive and hot-headed behavior of a few of the players. Kennedale was flagged 5 times in the game for 68 yards, three of those were for unsportsmanlike behavior but it was Eastern Hills that lead the game with 11 penalties for 79 yards with two ejections.
Both teams were issued warnings and both head coaches at one point during the game had to gather their teams around to give warnings.
Second half and a shutdown of play …
The second half opened with Eastern Hills with the ball but again they were unable to gain and keep yardage. With additional penalties, EHHS was forced to punt deep in their own territory. Kennedale scored two plays later and after a failed extra-point try, the Wildcats were up 50-0 with over 4 minutes left in the third quarter. This is when the game essentially ended.
Eastern Hills was down to their 3rd string quarterback and further play seemed hopeless and chanced more fights. It was then that the seemingly endless conferences began interspersed with a few plays that were simple kneel-downs. Kennedale had the ball at the end of the game on the EH15 and with one more kneel the game was over. Both teams exited different ends of the field without the traditional handshake at midfield. A sad end to a disappointing game.
The fault was not all on the play of Kennedale. The Wildcats play aggressively and those who play them know that is their style. Staying in control is something the coaches have had to work with some of the players. The Sunnyvale game earlier this season is an example. This was the game that the Cats won by a single point while racking up 11 penalties and in the process killed more than one offensive drive.
But it more the play of Eastern Hills that was the issue in this game. Following a shellacking by Dunbar last week this game seemed to be too much for the Highlanders. Some of the players reacted badly and, that became the game story and ended the game.
Eastern Hills does have some talented athletes and they do have potential as a team. Playing a more controlled game, they would have given Kennedale a run for their money.
No challenge so far in district play …
Kennedale is not getting the test that they need to prepare for a playoff run. The first game against Sunnyvale was the only game to really offer a major a very serious challenge. As mentioned before, Kennedale won 28-27 in the last seconds of the game. The following week the Cats beat Carter-Riverside 69-0 and were never challenged. This past week, the only real challenge was keeping a cool head.
In a normal year, Kennedale would have taken on more established football power teams such as Midlothian Heritage, Springtown, Decatur, Waco LaVega, etc. before starting district play. There should be some challenges in the weeks ahead.
Undefeated teams clash this week …
Kennedale is now 3-0 overall and 2-0 in district play. This week in district play Kennedale takes on the Dunbar Wildcats who are also 3-0 and 2-0 in district.
Dunbar followed a 20-0 win over Dallas Oak Cliff with a dominating win over Eastern Hills 61-14 and last week bounced Carter-Riverside 58-7.
The game will be played at Farrington Field 1501 University Dr. Fort Worth, TX 76107 at 7:00 PM on Friday.
Ticket is required for age 2 years old and up. Masks are required. Student spectators will NOT be allowed entry without being escorted by a parent or guardian. Fans are allowed to bring clear bags only.
Get tickets here.
Kennedale Wildcat Football Schedule.
Other games …
KJHS Football vs. Alvarado/Howard – Tuesday, September 29th at 5:30 PM – Kennedale Jr High Football Field, 930 Corry E. Edwards, Kennedale, TX 76060. Purchase ticket here
Wildcat Freshman Football vs. Dunbar Wildcats – Thursday, October 1st at 6:30 PM Wildcat Stadium 901 – Wildcat Way Kennedale, TX 76060 Purchase tickets here
KISD ticket and game guidelines …
By purchasing a ticket to this event: *I agree to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms as outlined by TEA/UIL before arriving at Kennedale High School. *I understand masks or face covering is a requirement during entry, exit, and moving around the stadium as outlined by the Governor’s order and/or KISD Blueprint Safety Plan. *I understand and will adhere to practicing social distancing and sitting six feet (6′) away from other groups. *I understand that Kennedale ISD cannot guarantee that I will not contract the virus, even when implementing screening protocols. *I acknowledge that I am assuming the risk that I may contract the virus by entering KISD facilities, even when screening protocols are implemented. * I acknowledge that failure to follow the required protocols will result in my removal from the venue.
