Bombers finish strong vs. Rebels

Kenston crossed a strong finish off on its to-do list.

After a 40-25 win against rival South, now, the real season begins for the Bombers starting next week.

“Our goal was to beat our rivals and head to the playoffs this year,” Coach Jeff Grubich said. “We accomplished that goal, and now we have to get another one next week. The chase is on.”

The Bombers were ranked first in the Division lll, Region 9 playoff picture coming into this game.

Anna Sanders opened scoring with a 25-yard field goal. Kenston blocked a punt to set up Tyler Mintz’s 20-yard touchdown catch. Jon Tomcufcik ran in the two-point conversion for an 11-0 lead. Dominic Hahner put South on the board with a 39-yard field goal. Jay Middleton returned the ensuing kickoff 85 yards to extend Kenston’s lead to 18-3.

Mintz caught a 68-yard touchdown pass from Tomcufcik, and Porter’s 15-yard score sent the Bombers into halftime ahead, 33-3.

“Our O-line has been efficient all season long,” Porter said. “They have been creating holes every time for me and have been working hard Monday through Thursday non-stop.”

It was another stellar game for Tomcufcik and Porter. Porter carried 35 times for 193 yards and a touchdown. Tomcufcik completed 9 of 22 passes for 184 yards and two touchdowns.

South began the second half with Ira Sampson’s five-yard touchdown run. Rico Small scored the next two touchdowns with a fiveyard carry and 37-yard pass.

Sampson ran for 113 yards on 21 carries. Small caught five passes for 133 yards. Coach Matt Duffy liked the Rebels’ effort in their season finale.

“I’m really proud of the way they played in the second half,” Duffy said. “I think we played the toughest all year and just didn’t have enough. We played tough, we battled, and played good defense. But Kenston did some great things and nothing to be ashamed of. We played hard.”

Tomcufcik’s 53-yard touchdown run iced the Bombers’ victory. Kenston will know who it faces in the first week of the playoffs Oct. 29.

“Our confidence level is high, but there’s some things we need to work on,” Grubich said.