Welcome to Five From Friday our weekly feature that highlights some of the best quotes, notes, stats and performances of the games Friday night.
Quote of the night
My team relies on me to make big plays whenever I can. Coming into the second half everybody’s mindset changed. It was no longer this is our first game. It was, we’re going to come out here and play our game.” Oak Park senior running back Travon Pankey talking about his team’s 28-21 win over Staley after trailing 21-7 at halftime to its rival.
Stat line of the night
Nate Reynolds, running back, Harrisonville – The senior opened the season with a bang gaining 200 yards on just seven carries and four TDs. Three of the TDS were long runs of 42, 53 and 72 yards.
Highlight of the night
The marquee matchup of week 1 was an all-catholic battle as Rockhurst hosted St. Pius X as the schools were playing for the first time in 50 years. The game was close most of the night, but Rockhurst pulled away in the second half with power runs like this one from Van Pham to make the game 24-12 which was the final score.
Van Pham powers in
Spectrum Sports Kevin Wike is on the call.
Team of the night
Lee’s Summit – Tigers fans didn’t know what to expect as new coach Todd Miller took over the program from longtime coach Eric Thomas. Lee’s Summit hosted a Liberty team that was 7-4 last year and brought back most of its starters. The Tigers controlled the game all night earning a 40-27 victory.
Big Winner (s)
East and Kansas City Central – The Bears and Blue Eagles took the field for the first time as stand alone varsity programs for the first time since 2022. East played junior varsity last season and Central co-oped with Southeast. Both programs were reestablished this year with more than 40 players on each roster. Both schools fell short of victory but won by taking the field.
