Pacific
Kadena forces nine turnovers to rout Kinnick
Stars and Stripes
September 15, 2023
Kadena's D'Kylan Woods knifes his way through Nile C. Kinnick defenders Xavier Wright and Jacob Gilbrech. (Jim Mills/Special to Stripes)
YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan – A Kadena team that hurt itself with turnovers the week before took full advantage of nine takeaways on Friday.
Kai Christy had two interceptions and a fumble recovery and Tre Shears also recovered two fumbles, helping the Panthers to a 50-0 triumph over Nile C. Kinnick at Yokosuka’s Berkey Field, a game delayed by lighting at the start for 90 minutes.
“We were able to capitalize on turnovers, which is something we hoped would happen,” said coach Sergio Mendoza, whose Panthers leveled their record at 1-1 following last Friday’s 34-22 home loss to Kubasaki.
“The boys came out with a higher intensity and more focus” during the week in practice and Friday’s game, Mendoza said. “We emphasized some areas which needed improvement and they responded.”
Christy, a senior defensive back, set the tone defensively for the Panthers. “He did a fine job tonight,” Mendoza said.
Nile C. Kinnick's Arashi Blocton gets gang-tackled by Kadena's defense. (Jim Mills/Special to Stripes)
Nile C. Kinnick's Tre Bennnett looks to elude Kadena defender Flint Barton. (Jim Mills/Special to Stripes)
Kadena's Kai Christy was the game's defensive star, with two interceptions and a fumble recovery. (Jim Mills/Special to Stripes)
Fullback Flint Barton rushed for two touchdowns and caught a scoring pass from Cameron Wilson, who also ran for a TD for Kadena.
Jeremiah Drummer and D’Kylan Woods each had touchdown runs and fumble recoveries, while Drummer’s younger brother, Josiah, also rushed for a score. Asher Whitebear, at 6-foot-4, 270 pounds the Panthers’ biggest lineman, also had a fumble recovery.
Barton finished with 87 yards on nine carries and Woods 67 on seven attempts. Wilson was an economical 2-for-5 passing for 65 yards.
“They (Panthers) were well coached, they hit us hard from the first whistle, they executed,” said coach Dan Joley, whose Red Devils fell to 1-1 following last Saturday’s 21-17 win over Humphreys.
“We were down 20-0 three minutes in and we didn’t respond,” Joley said.
Kadena next week travels to Humphreys, while Kinnick visits Division I-leading Kubasaki; each game is slated for a 6 p.m. Friday kickoff.
Nile C. Kinnick's Arashi Blocton gets wrapped up by Kadena's Flint Barton. (TeAnna Reimers/Special to Stripes)
Kadena quarterback Cameron Wilson rushed for a touchdown and passed for another. (TeAnna Reimers/Special to Stripes)
Nile C. Kinnick's Tre Bennett looks for running room against Kadena's defense. (TeAnna Reimers/Special to Stripes)
