By JOHN LIKANJE
Senior running back Logan Keifer amassed seven touchdowns. Red Jacket notched its first sectional title in seven years. This was the Indians’ seventh victory of the season to complete an undefeated campaign. Yet at the conclusion of Saturday’s game, no luck was needed on the scoreboard.
The Indians jumped to a commanding 42-0 advantage at intermission and dominated all facets of the game en route to an 82-6 victory over Pembroke. This was the Indians’ second win over the Dragons this season after defeating them, 68-18, in Week Three on April 3rd.
Keifer galloped for five of his seven touchdowns in the first half. The 5-foot-7 senior started his day with a pair of scoring runs in the last two and a half minutes of the opening period. After both teams squandered golden opportunities at the beginning of the game, Keifer broke the stalemate with a 32-yard burst down the middle. The senior rusher added a 55-yard score a minute and a half later.
In the second quarter, the Indians picked apart the Dragons’ defensive line and opened up holes for Keifer. This resulted in touchdown runs of 47, 42 and 33 yards respectively after the midway point of the period. Keifer capped off his performance and high school career with a 65-yard score right out of halftime – his longest touchdown run of the game – and a 25-yard scamper. Overall, the senior running back exploded for 425 yards on 15 carries and was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament (34 carries for 755 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in two games).
Kyle Damore got in on the action with two touchdowns of his own. The 6-foot junior jumped the passing lane for a 63-yard pick-six in the second quarter and found a seam for a 54-yard rushing touchdown midway through the third period.
Ethan Lenney, Parker Moore and Mason Pollot all contributed a touchdown. Moore and Pollot both had a rushing score. Moore added 136 rushing yards as well. Lenney recovered a fumble during a punt return and hustled 38 yards in the other direction to the end zone.
Kyle Damore led the defense with 11 tackles. Along with his scoop-and-score, Lenney had eight tackles and three fumble recoveries. Andrew Damore followed up with seven tackles, a sack and an interception.
Red Jacket concludes the 2021 season with a 7-0 record and its sixth sectional title in program history. Along with their two victories over Pembroke, the Indians compiled wins over Charles G. Finney/Northstar Christian (twice), Holley, Perry and South Seneca. The Indians outscored their opponents this season, 447-108, as well.
For Pembroke, senior fullback Garrett Totten broke the shutout with a 64-yard touchdown run midway through the fourth quarter.
Pembroke concludes the 2021 season with a 6-2 record and the No. 2 seed in 8-Man Football. The Dragons compiled wins over Charles G. Finney/Northstar Christian, Holley, Lyndonville/Barker/Roy-Hart, Perry (twice) and South Seneca and outscored their opponents this season, 318-248.
Leave a Reply