Despite reeling off 18 unanswered third-quarter points, Kirk Academy was not able to hold on to a late 18-14 lead as the Raiders lost a key Class AAAA, Region 1 contest against rival Marshall Academy, 21-18, last Friday night.
With the Homecoming loss, the Raiders remain one game over .500 with a 5-4 record. They finished 2-2 in Region play.
Marshall’s defense held Kirk’s offense in check in the first half as the home team was unable to score in front a capacity crowd. The Patriots’ offense, on the other hand, scored seven points in each of the first two quarters to take a 14-0 lead into the locker room at halftime.
The Pats scored first with 3:58 left in the first quarter when quarterback Landon Houston bulled his way into the end zone from 1-yard out. Midway through the second quarter, Houston connected with Vincent Wang on a 53-yard TD pass to extend the lead. Houston added both extra-point kicks.
Raider fans were brought to their feet to open the second half after senior tailback A.J. Wren returned the opening half kickoff 87 yards for the touchdown. The score remained 14-6 after sophomore placekicker Gunner Vance’s PAT was blocked.
Following the explosive return, the bleachers were cleared as a thunderstorm rolled in. Despite heavy rain and rolling thunder, play continued. It was delayed for about five minutes after excessive rainfall tripped the breaker to the school’s new scoreboard forcing time to be monitored on the field tountil the issue was solved.
Six minutes after Wren’s return, KA senior quarterback Colbert Hathcock connected with classmate receiver Richard Flautt on a 31-yard touchdown pass. The two-point conversion run by Hathcock was unsuccessful. With 5:38 left in the third, the Raiders had inched to within two points, 14-12.
Kirk took its only lead of the game with 46 seconds remaining in the third quarter when Wren darted downfield on another long run – this time 52 yards – for the score. A bobbled snap forced another unsuccessful two-point conversion giving the Raiders an 18-14 advantage.
Hard-nosed defense was on display by both teams for a majority of the fourth quarter as both teams brought the other down in the backfield and forced punts. However, Marshall managed one final score on a Houston 8-yard run and ensuing PAT. The Patriots held on for a 21-14 victory.
Hathcock finished 6 of 17 passing for 82 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Flautt had four catches for 69 yards and a score, while Wren carried the ball 11 times for 47 yards and a touchdown.
Senior linebacker Mason Byars led the Raiders’ defense with 10.5 tackles – 3 for losses – half a sack and two fumble recoveries. Senior Walker Staten had 6.5 tackles, while senior Peyton Mitchell chipped in with 5.5 tackles – 2 for losses – and 1.5 sacks. Senior Tripp Taylor added 4.5 tackles and classmate Jack Boone had 4 tackles.
The Raiders will end the regular season this Friday night at home against Greenville St. Joe for a Senior Night Pink Out. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
