Kirk Academy and Winona Christian School entered the 2023 season having split the previous 14 games between the two schools. The Raiders took the series lead sweeping two games last season by scores of 40-0 and 41-7.
The teams meet this Friday in Winona for the third time in two seasons. Second-year Kirk Academy coach Colin Boone expects a much-improved WCS team under the direction of former long-time Grenada High School head coach Ashley Kuhn.
“We know they will be very well coached,” Boone said. “Coach Kuhn has been a successful coach and will have them ready to play. I have the utmost respect – he’s won everywhere he has coached. We know they will be ready to play.”
Friday’s contest is the opening Class AAA, District 1 schedule. When you add the closeness in miles to the schools, the contest is important to both schools.
“It’s a big game for both of us with this being the district opener,” Boone said. “The closeness of our schools adds to the rivalry because both sets of players know each other well. It’s going to be a fun game.”
Boone knows one of the problems his team has focused on this week is slowing down senior quarterback Brannon Hill (185 pounds).
“He is an elite player in our league,” Boone said. “Brannon can throw the football and hurt you with his legs.”
Senior Braxton Leach (6-foot-1, 170 pounds) is a returnee for WCS that played wide receiver, running back and defensive back. Linebacker Holland Self (5-foot-10, 165 pounds) has been solid for the Stars.
Kuhn came to Winona Christian School after retiring following 12 years at Grenada High School. Last season, he served as the offensive coordinator for former Coach Ken Chandler. One of the most notable changes Kuhn made was having spring practice for the first time in the history of the school.
“It was an easier transition since I was already on staff and knew the players,” Kuhn said. “There were some things that we did well and some things I wanted to implement. The big emphasis was the weight room and focusing on making us stronger and faster.”
Kirk is coming off a season-opening 42-7 win over Manchester Academy last week, while Winona Christian won a 45-18 decision at West Memphis (Ark.) Christian. The Raiders unleashed a dominant running attack amassing 284 yards led by junior Gage Vance, who finished with 160 yards on 11 carries and scored three touchdowns. Defensively, senior Aden Noah was the standout with five tackles and a sack.
Kickoff is at 7 p.m. in Winona.
