Cool Running: Kennett to ride improving O-line in District finale

Kennett football captains (from left) J.T. Williams, Ayden Tidd, Kewon Hopkins, and Letevio'n Thompson walk to midfield prior to the Indians' game with Sikeston earlier this season in Sikeston. Hopkins, Thompson, and Tidd are part of an emerging offensive line for Kennett.

Tom Davis ~ Tdavis@semoball.com

The weather forecast for tonight’s MSHSAA Class 3 District 1 championship game between visiting Kennett (8-2) and host Park Hills (Central) (9-1) is calling for it to be a frigid affair with temperatures dipping into the high 20’s, so toughness is going to be at a premium.

“When it gets cold, you’ve got to be able to (run the football),” first-year Indian coach Andrew Webster said following last week’s semifinal win over Dexter. “At some point, football comes down to that.”

There has never been any question as to how Kennett senior running back Jordan Jarrett would perform this season (if he has been healthy). However, Webster has seen great progress throughout the fall from his offensive line, which makes Jarrett’s exploits even more explosive and impressive than they already would be.

“We only replaced one offensive lineman this year,” Webster said, “and in the last couple of weeks, I thought our line play has gotten a lot better.”

In last week’s semifinal rout of Dexter, Jarrett totaled 257 yards on the ground, while the Indian offense gained nearly 600 yards of total offense. That was on the strength of linemen Letrevio’n Thompson (left tackle), Blake Raspberry (left guard), Kewon Hopkins (center), Jarrett Pullin (right guard), and Ayden Tidd (right tackle).

Thompson brings a degree of athleticism and strength and size that is virtually unmatched by linemen anywhere in MSHSAA, according to Webster.

“He has developed himself so much,” Webster said of the Southeast Missouri State recruit. “If I had more linemen, he probably wouldn’t have had to play there. But he is so good and consistent there, we had to leave him there.”

Getting defensive

Another key area of growth this season for Kennett has been the defensive secondary.

Webster had to find a number of new players this season and has lost senior J.T. Williams for the rest of the season due to injury.

Freshman Will Gaines has “started all year” despite his youth and has performed well.

“He’s one of those kids that you look over there and say ‘Whoa,’” Webster said. “He’s 6-3 and can dunk from near the free-throw line (in basketball). He’s really special.”

Youth movement

Gaines is not the lone first-year Indian getting reps this fall.

Caleb Duncan is now the starting tight end, after both his older brother, senior Tanner Duncan, and sophomore Harley Hamlett were lost due to season-ending injuries.

Duncan also played linebacker earlier in the season.

Also, Thompson’s younger brother, Kevin Thompson, is a young athlete along both the offensive and defensive lines.

“For a freshman to play,” Webster said, “they have to come out of middle school being phenomenal and then develop. But in certain years, we need that.”

Tonight’s game kicks off at 7 p.m.