It might have been the longest game and biggest win in Kennedy history.
Junior Sergio Medina kicked a 23-yard field goal in the fourth overtime as the Crusaders outlasted Amundsen 41-38 on Aug. 29 at Winnemac Stadium.
“This is huge for the program,” first-year coach Deandre Mosley said of the win over the Vikings from the Public League’s top-tier Public League Red Shield. “I give a lot of respect to Amundsen. They didn’t lay down for us. … I just really appreciate the seniors for staying positive.”
Junior quarterback Alex Hernandez threw for four touchdowns with no interceptions for Kennedy (2-0), which was playing its first game of the season after picking up a forfeit from Clemente in Week 1.
Kavarion McCarter had two touchdown catches and more than 120 receiving yards for the Crusaders. Tony James had a 41-yard TD reception and added an interception on defense. Jacob Tunstill caught a scoring pass and 6-0, 275-pound lineman Nathan Brewer scored on a 1-yard run on fourth down in the first overtime.
The latter was an example of the Crusaders opening up their offensive playbook.
“We try not to limit the kids’ thinking process,” Mosley said. “(We think), ‘Hey, you guys are smart kids, you’ve got good GPAs.’Â
“Over the summer, we practiced a lot of different sets.”
Medina also kicked a field goal in regulation for Kennedy. Other defensive standouts included senior lineman Saul Pulido and senior linebacker Julian Cuevas.
Bowen 40, Solorio 22: The Sun Warriors (0-1) had a 9-yard TD pass from Valentin Hernandez to David Ortega, set up by a 44-yard connection between the same duo. Paul Magnetti and Jayson Aguilar added 5-yard touchdown runs for Solorio.
Curie 26, Comer 20: Malik Horton scored three touchdowns as Curie improved to 2-0.
Johnson 36, Back of the Yards 0: Will Martinez had 11 carries for 46 yards for Back of the Yards (0-2).
“We’re still finding our way as a team,” Bobcats coach Mark Morgan said, noting his team started two sophomores and a freshman on the offensive line. “Camaraderie helps, and we’re just trying to get the kids to do all the little things and do them right.”
Plainfield East 53, De La Salle 12: Kameron Mosley (15 carries, 111 yards) scored on an 8-yard run and on a 53-yard pass from Semaj Sirleaf (3 of 5 passing, 97 yards) for host De La Salle (0-2).
Westmont 50, Gage Park 20: Kenneth Wright scored three times for Gage Park (0-1), twice on runs of more than 40 yards and once on a kickoff return.
Mike Walsh contributed to this story.