The varsity football team came up with a big 42-7 win over the North Kansas City Hornets in the Class 5 District 8 Semifinal. The Nov. 4 game featured a steady rain with periods of heavy downfalls that also kept the temperature in the lower 40s all game.

The Indians defense started strong in the first quarter by shutting out the Hornets. North Kansas City fumbled the ball and Sophomore Anthony Thompson quickly recovered it and returned it for a 17 yard touchdown to put the Indians up 6-0 in the 1st quarter. Along with the touchdown Thompson also led the defense with a total of nine tackles. Thompson believes the team was well prepared for the game. 

“We had a good week of practice,” Thompson said. “We came in with the right mindset and were ready to go.” 

The Indians offense compiled a total of 186 yards. Senior quarterback Greg Menne had 156 yards of total offense. Senior wide receiver Larenzo Fenner snagged a total of 60 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the game. Fenner feels the offense came together to put up a win.

“I just feel like everybody was working together as a unit to do better because we all wanted to win,” Fenner said. 

Sophomore running back Ryver Peppers caught 65 receiving yards and rushed for 30  yards. Junior Xander Shepherd also went 6-6 in extra point kicks. Head Coach Brock Bult felt the weather conditions did not stop the team from competing well. 

“I’m always worried when playing a good team like North Kansas City who have that much talent and these weather conditions,” Bult said. “But our kids came out ready for it and prepared. They jumped on them quick.”

With the win the team advanced to the Class 5 District 8 Championship where they defeated Oak Park 44-25. They will face the Grain Valley Eagles at home on Nov. 18 in the Class 5 Quarterfinals.