PREP EXTRA: SATURDAY FOOTBALL PULLOUT : Kennedy’s Field Goals Are Enough

After the game, Loara’s Mike Wright yelled, then slammed his helmet to the ground and yelled again.

The Saxons (3-5, 2-1) had a lot to shout about, considering they did everything but beat sixth-ranked Kennedy Friday night at Glover Stadium.

Kennedy (7-1, 3-0) eventually won the Empire League game, 6-5.

“Nobody gave us a prayer,” Loara Coach John deFries said. “Nobody gives us credit.”

DeFries kept repeating one word after the game, even when he shook the hand of Kennedy Coach Mitch Olson: “Undermanned.”

A couple of missed field goals and an untimely penalty hurt, too.

With Loara on Kennedy’s 30-yard line and facing a fourth and two in the closing seconds, the Saxons’ Korei Kilburn ran six yards for an apparent first down.

The Saxons, however, were penalized for aiding the runner. Loara came up short on its next play and Kennedy ran out the clock.

“The officials didn’t lose the game,” deFries said. “We kick the two field goals, we win.”

Paul Murmaud, Loara’s kicker, after connecting on a 43-yard field goal in the first quarter, missed attempts from 26 and 36 yards in the second.

Charlie Marino kicked two field goals for Kennedy, connecting from 31 yards out in the first quarter to give Kennedy a 3-0 lead. He kicked the game-winner from 23 yards with 4:47 left to play.