High school football: Jones, Kennett face Sikeston’s ‘D’ line

SIKESTON — There have been two noticeable takeaways so far from the 2023 Kennett High School football season.

One, Tyquavious Jones continues to settle in as the Indians starting quarterback.

Secondly, Caleb Duncan is showing he can be just as special on defense as he has historically been on offense.

“Ty has been doing a good job,” Kennett head coach Andrew Webster said. “He’s coming along as we thought he would. He’s been able to read defenses and put the ball where it’s supposed to be.”

Against Doniphan last Friday, Jones showed he can move the Indians with his arm — and his legs. He rushed just six times but picked up 63 yards (10.5 yards per carry).

Jones also was accurate to the tune of 10-of-13 passing for 156 yards and two TD. Sure, he threw an interception. But, as a sophomore, this is just part and parcel of the developmental process.

Meanwhile, Duncan has become a standout inside linebacker for Kennett’s defense. He did a little bit of everything in the 42-0 thrashing of Doniphan.

Duncan compiled eight solo tackles, including four for negative yards. He also had three quarterback sacks, two forced fumbles and one recovery.

This is the kind of productivity Duncan is known for, Webster stated.

“Caleb is one heckuva player for us,” the coach commented. “He’s a 4.0 student, and he uses his brains on defense.”

Duncan forms a dynamic duo with Austin Gattis. Caleb makes the calls when the defense is on the field. He’s shown leadership, and his experience has been invaluable.

Webster then went on to characterize this week’s foe — Sikeston.

“They’ve been a spread team, but this year they’ve been packing it in and running a Flexbone double wing,” Webster said of the Bulldog offense.

As for the Sikeston defense, they run an odd-man front. Webster said the Bulldogs try to be coy and use several different alignments with their defensive line.

“We’ll have to prepare and have the right blocking scheme.”

Kennett faced Sikeston several times this summer in 7-on-7 leagues and contact camps, so the Indians know what to expect.

Kennett has scored 91 points through two games, while allowing just 20 (all to Hayti in the opening-week, heat-filled clash). Sikeston has surrendered 85 points against tallying 14.

This will mark the alumni night game for Sikeston, so there will be extra fans in the stands for the Bulldogs.

Charleston at Malden

MALDEN — Malden will have its first home game of the season this coming Friday versus Charleston.

Even though the Blue Jays and Green Wave are both winless, Charleston has been much more competitive in its games — losing two contests by six measly points.

Malden has been outscored 110-20, taking lumps against both Kelly (Benton) and Caruthersville, although the Green Wave showed progress in last week’s game versus the Hawks. Quamareous Farmer and Amerous White connected on a pair of TD passes.

There also will be a special dedication ceremony before the game for the newly constructed press box, which will be named in honor of Mike Bullock.