After its four game absence, “Hey Baby” returned to Lyons Memorial Field. So did KHS’ second half dominance, en route to a 52-28 victory over Rockwood Summit on a picturesque evening.

The Pioneers marched down the field to the 9-yard line on their opening drive, eventually settling for a Ryan Higganbotham field goal. KHS then forced the Falcons into a three and out, yet muffed the proceeding punt, giving Summit the ball at the Pioneer 23-yard line. Once more KHS stood strong on defense, forcing a field goal attempt from 30 yards out. The kick was good, yet a running into the kicker penalty negated the attempt, placing the ball at the Pioneer 7-yard line. A third three and out on the drive pushed Summit into another field goal attempt, this one from 29 yards out. Jerod Alton blocked the try, placing the ball back in the hands of KHS. Alton ran for a first down to open the Pioneers’ second drive, which set up a 59-yard touchdown run from Robert Columbus, the first of three scores over 50 yards, giving KHS a 10-0 lead.

Once more KHS stifled Summit on the first sequence of the second quarter. Soon after, Wil Hadler connected with Amonte Mason for a 54-yard touchdown; the extra point was no good. A shifty return gave the Falcons great field position, inside Pioneer territory. This lead to an 11-yard touchdown pass. KHS countered with a quality return of their own, yet the ensuing drive was halted by two consecutive Hadler fumbles, the second recovered by Summit. Continuing trend of parody, two plays into their drive, the Falcons threw an interception into the hands of Armon Tindle, freshman defensive back. Several unsuccessful drives closed out the first half, with the score 16-7 KHS.

Summit methodically worked down the field, scoring from three yards out to open up the third quarter. The Falcons then blocked Higganbotham’s punt, returning it for a touchdown on the following KHS drive, giving them their first lead of the game at 21-16. Columbus fired back with a 58-yard rushing touchdown, channeling his inner Marshawn Lynch; the two-point conversion was good, putting the Pioneers on top. One fumble, one pooch punt and two drives later, Reece Goddard found his way into the endzone on a 30 yard rush, making it 31-21 KHS going into the fourth quarter.

On the first play of the final frame, Isaac Moye, junior defensive back, intercepted the Summit pass and took it for six. Again driving inside the Pioneer 5-yard line, the Falcons went for it on fourth down, punching it in with a 1-yard rush. Responding, the Pioneers quickly made it to the Summit 5-yard line, where Goddard found Columbus for the running back’s third total TD of the game. To seal the deal, Jamahl Scott picked off a Summit attempt and dashed 68 yards to the promised land, securing the 52-28 trouncing.

The Pioneers’ next game is Oct. 3 against Ritenour (3-3) at home.

Top Performers:

Robert Columbus: 167 total yards, three TDs

Jerod Alton: eight rushes for 85 yards, blocked kicked

Jamahl Scott: three tackles, 68 yard pick six