Kee football team opens season with 26-6 loss at Riceville

The Kee football team got its 2019 season underway with a 26-6 loss at Riceville in non-district play Friday, August 30. The Hawks allowed the host Wildcats 343 yards of total offense that included just over 300 yards on the ground, from where all four of Riceville’s touchdowns came from to account for nearly half the Wildcat rushing total. Meanwhile, the Kee gridders were only able to amass 112 yards of total offense, with 109 of those coming through the air.

“Giving up two big plays really swung the game in Riceville’s favor,” Kee football coach Chad Winters explained. “We had a chance to make a tackle and didn’t, allowing them to break out and score on a couple long runs, and there was an ill-advised decision on my part to go for it on fourth down inside our own 30 early in the game.”

The Hawks are next scheduled to open their home schedule for the 2019 season, playing host to the Eight-Player defending State Runner-Up, Rockford, this Friday, September 6. The Rockets opened their season with a 78-20 home win over West Central this past Friday.

“It doesn’t get easier next week with the State Runner-Up coming into town,” Coach Winters said. “They lost some quality skill position players from last year, but return a good portion of their offensive and defensive lines.”

For more complete coverage, pick up this week's print edition or subscribe to our e-edition by clicking here.