HIGH-SCHOOL-SPORTS

Anderson defense stifles Simon Kenton football in 44-16 win for Redskins

Theopolis Caldwell

Enquirer contributor

Independence, Ky. – Anderson High School’s football team spoiled a home opener for Simon Kenton by beating them Friday, 44-16.

The Redskins took control of the game from start to finish, completely dominating Simon Kenton on both offense and defense with a little of help from their special teams unit.

Pioneers’ punter Jason Freeman set up a field goal by Anderson’s Hayden Brooke. Freeman, a junior, slipped on the grass and knelt, which is an automatic turnover, giving the Redskins excellent field position.

Anderson quarterback Jackson Kuhn attempts a pass in the game at Simon Kenton. Anderson defeated Simon Kenton 44-16.

Midway through the second quarter Simon Kenton receiver Trey Little attempted to field a kick-off that bounced off the front of his helmet, causing a fumble and recovery for Anderson at the Simon Kenton 36-yard line. Nothing seemed to go well for the Pioneers early, as Anderson outscored them 31-9 before the half.

“In the first half, it didn’t feel like much went right,” Simon Kenton head coach Jeff Marksberry said. “Defensively we made a couple of nice stands in the first half. I was proud with how they responded.”

Simon Kenton receiver Caleb Livers makes a catch for a touchdown in the game between the Anderson Redskins and the Simon Kenton Pioneers at Simon Kenton High School Aug. 30, 2019.

Simon Kenton had no answers for Anderson’s defense. The Redskins pressured Pioneers freshman quarterback Chase Crone most of the night, and he completed only 9 of 25 passes for 186 yards and -4 yards rushing. The Pioneers couldn’t run the ball much either, gaining only 34 yards on 28 attempts.

“We did a great job tonight,” Anderson coach Evan Dreyer said. “We decided to attack on defense this year. Kudos to our coaching staff.”

Anderson receiver Cooper Bushman runs for a touchdown after a catch in the game with Simon Kenton Aug. 30, 2019.

Anderson took full advantage of their opportunities on offense, out-gaining Simon Kenton in total offense 616-275. Anderson’s junior quarterback Jackson Kuhn accounted for most of the offense, throwing for 350 yards and three touchdowns plus a rushing touchdown.

“As a first game, I think Jackson played extremely well. I’m excited about all his efforts in the off-season,” said Dreyer.

Anderson 10 21 13 0 - 44

Simon Kenton 9 0 0 7 - 16

A - 31-yard field goal, Hayden Brooke

A - Kuhn pass complete to Bushman, 54 yards. PAT, Alex Hamilton

SK - 32-yard field goal, Nick Seger.

SK - Chase Crone pass complete to Caleb Livers, 10 yards. Two-point conversion pass by Erik Brown, no good.

A - Jackson Kuhn pass complete to Jerrick McClanahan, 26 yards. PAT, Alex Hamilton

A - Bennett Snyder pass complete to Cooper Bushman, 68 yards. PAT, Alex Hamilton

A - Jackson Kuhn runs for 1 yard. PAT, Hayden Brooke.

A - Andrew Williams runs for 2 yards. PAT, Hayden Brooke.

A - Jackson Kuhn pass complete to Bennett Snyder, 32 yards. PAT, no good.

SK - Marcus Courtney pass complete to Trey Little, 7 yards. PAT, Nick Seger

Records: A 1-0; SK 1-1

Anderson kicker Hayden Brooke kicks a field goal in the game against Simon Kenton Aug. 30, 2019.