KENNETT SQUARE — If the 2012 season ends with a playoff berth and a piece of the conference championship, it will be hard for Kennett High School fans not to point at one play and say “this was the turning point.”
The Blue Demons defense stopped Great Valley back Cyree Ames on a fourth and goal from the two in overtime, giving them a shot to win in overtime on just a field goal. Moments later, Brett Rose hit a 22-yard field goal to give Kennett a thrilling 17-14 win over the Patriots, Saturday afternoon.
The win does two things: it put the Blue Demons (5-2, 2-1 in the ChesMont American) right in the middle of the hunt for a slot in the state playoff hunt and still in the fight for a piece of the division title. If Kennett wins out, including a much anticipated battle with neighboring Unionville, the Blue Demons will have at least a share of the ChesMont American with West Chester Rustin and Unionville, assuming Rustin wins its remaining game and Unionville wins its next two before the season finale Nov. 3.
Although the game was tense throughout, featuring two of the up and coming football programs in the county, the Blue Demons looked to be in control in the first half, grabbing a 14-0 lead on a pair of second quarter TDs. Jordan Lardani scored from eight out and Chris Fleck recovered a fumble in the end zone, giving Kennett a 14-0 lead at the half. Lardani would finish with 112 yards on 26 carries.
But the talented Patriots (4-3, 2-2), led by star quarterback Chris Geiss and knowing their hopes for the state playoff were hanging in the balance, battled back in the second half. Ames ended up scoring both TDs for Great Valley, one on a 39-yard run another on a fumble recovery to tie the game in the second half.
With the win, Kennett has a fair straight-forward path to the post season: it must defeat Octorara next week and an improved Oxford, which set up the biggest Mushroom Bowl between Kennett and Unionville since Kennett returned to high school football in 2005.
Just wanted to let you know that Jordan Lardani of Kennett High School broke 1,000 rushing yards in a season on Saturday @ Kennett High vs. Great Valley! He rushed for 114 yards (8 yard TD) giving him 1,012 rushing yards on the season; with 14 TDs…..
Your son is a great back. Congratz on his accomplishment. My son was No#4 for Great Valley ” Cyree Ames “. I hope he can accomplish that next year. Good luck to you guys in the playoffs….