Class 4 Semifinal Match-Up: Kearney vs Festus

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bulldogs take their unbeaten record across the state on what looks like will be a rainy day to face off against the talented Tigers in Class 4 action to see who'll play in the state championship game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kearney</strong> (12-0) vs <strong>Festus</strong> (10-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kearney</strong> Key Players:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>QB [player_tooltip player_id='1265525' first='Carter' last='Temple'] (6'3" 215) Jr. - The big athletic dual threat lefty has had a tremendous year in his second season as the Bulldogs starter. He has running the Kearney offense down to almost perfection as he run, throws or distributes the ball to his teammates. His is a strong, powerful runner with speed, who also has deadly accuracy and ball placement on his passes. He's thrown for over 1,000 yards and 16 touchdowns and rushed for over 600 yards for another 16 touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>RB Dryden Hendrix (5'10' 195) Jr. - This talented transfer running back has been a welcomed addition and really made an impact with his new team with his tough running ability and speed to make big plays. He and Temple combined for a tough 1,2 punch for opposing defenses to handle this season on the ground. Hendrix makes it hard for them to key solely on Temple and they complement each other well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DL [player_tooltip player_id='212327' first='Isaac' last='Beaver'] (6'2' 284) Sr. - One half of a set of twin monsters for opposing offensive linemen and skill players to have to contend with. Isaac is fast, explosive, strong and well skilled in his defensive line technique that makes his and his brother a nightmare to keep out of the backfield or try to run away from. A large part of the reason they are undefeated heading into tomorrow's game. Has 44 tackles and 8 sacks with 25 pressures.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DL [player_tooltip player_id='212328' first='Mason' last='Beaver'] (6'2" 285) Sr. - The other half of the almost identical bookends. Mason and Isaac have similar styles of play and even test almost identically in combine testing with their forty, vertical, broad jump and even lift maxes. Both exceptionally strong with tremendous motors that make them so hard to block. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Festus</strong> Key Players:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>QB [player_tooltip player_id='1194678' first='Parker' last='Perry'] (6'1" 190) Jr. - One of the top passers in the entire state in 2025. Perry has a strong arm and quick release with good velocity on his passes that get to their target in a hurry with deadly accuracy and are very catchable. He's completed 72% of his passes for 2.686 yards and 36 touchdowns against only 2 interceptions. While not a true dual threat, he is athletic enough to keep plays alive with his feet until he finds his open receiver. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>RB Leauntae Williams (5'7" 180) Sr. - The quick, diminutive running back is back for his senior season after helping lead the Tigers to the state game last season, and is again their leading rusher with over 1,000 yards and 8 touchdowns while splitting carries with another talented running back. He uses his size, speed and quickness to make plays and complement his talented quarterback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WR <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1581430' first='David' last='Russell']</strong> (6'0' 170) Sr. - Is the leading receiver and target in the passing game. Russell has good speed and is a deep threat averaging almost 22 yards per catch for the Tigers and making some big plays to help them reach this deep in the playoffs. He comes into the came having caught 38 passes for 832 yards and 9 touchdowns. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LB Mason Schirmer (6'1" 210) So. - The Tigers leading tackler is only a sophomore but a really good one. He showed flashes last season of what was to come and he has taken on a leadership role in his second year as a sideline to sideline defender from his linebacker position. He's recorded 129 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries and a sack heading into the game against Kearney. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->