INDEPENDENCE, Ky. – Like a well-oiled machine, Simon Kenton continues to pummel opponents with explosive play on both ends of the field.
Senior running back Dillon Powell turned in another stellar performance with 189 rushing yards and four touchdowns, and the Pioneers’ defense hauled in six interceptions to propel Simon Kenton to a 42-3 blowout over Highlands at Chlorine Menefee Stadium Friday night.
“We took this as just another game, but any time Highlands comes in, it’s always a big game,” Powell said. “We just did what we needed to do and worked on ourselves. It translated on the field tonight.”
Offensive struggles plagued both squads early in the first quarter, as each team punted on their opening drives of the game. Highlands senior quarterback Austin Hergott tossed an interception to Simon Kenton junior cornerback Trent Kincaid on the Bluebirds’ second possession of the game.
Simon Kenton failed to take advantage of the mistake and turned the ball over on downs on the ensuing drive.
Just as it seemed that Highlands would be forced to punt again, the Bluebirds ran a fake punt play to capture a first down late in the first stanza. Highlands went on to kick a field goal to take a 3-0 lead.
Simon Kenton answered swiftly as Powell broke for a 51-yard touchdown run to give the Pioneers a 7-3 lead going into the second quarter.
Simon Kenton’s defense cranked up the pressure in the second quarter. The secondary started to time Hergott and swarmed Highlands' receivers. Junior safety Casey Mitchell picked off Hergott near midfield to provide good field position for the Pioneers’ offense.
The Pioneers did not squander the opportunity, as they drove 66 yards down the field to set up a 3-yard rushing touchdown by Powell to give the home team a 14-3 advantage.
Nineteen seconds later, Kincaid intercepted Hergott again, spotting the ball at the Bluebirds’ 23-yard line.
Simon Kenton junior quarterback Cameron Racke connected with classmate Luke Vance for an 11-yard touchdown pass to give the Pioneers a 20-3 lead.
Before the end of the half, the Pioneers scored again on a 23-yard run by junior running back Dylan Hampton to extend the lead to 28-3 going into the break.
Simon Kenton’s defense picked off Hergott three straight drives to begin the latter half. Mitchell recorded his second of the game and Kincaid his third of the contest late in the third quarter.
Powell tacked on a pair of touchdowns, a 6-yarder and a 5-yarder, to capitalize on the extra possessions provided by the defense. The final touchdown gave the Pioneers a 42-3 advantage and forced a running clock.
Highlands finished the second half with three interceptions and a turnover on downs. The Bluebirds finished the game with 239 yards on offense. Hergott went 16-for-33 with six interceptions.
The Pioneers finished the game with 400 total yards of offense. Racke went 12-for-17 with 141 yards and one passing touchdown. Simon Kenton rushed for 250 yards against Highlands.
Simon Kenton cruises into its bye week at 6-0, while Highlands sits at 1-5 heading into its bye week. The Pioneers will be back in action against Boone County (0-6), and the Bluebirds host Dixie Heights (1-4) on Oct. 9.
