Burleson’s INT secures Kelly’s senior night victory

Kelly defensive back Grant Burleson intercepts a pass mid-air against Charleston on Friday, August 30, in Benton, Mo.

Tony Capobianco ~ tcapobianco@semoball.com

35 seconds left on the clock. Both teams have used their last timeout.

The Charleston Blue Jays emerged from the offensive huddle with the ball on the Kelly 17 yard line down only two points.

Neither team can kick so it’s touchdown or bust for the Blue Jays.

With senior night on the line, senior defensive back Grant Burleson leaped up and picked off Charleston quarterback Bernard Betts on fourth down to secure the Hawks’ 22-20 win on Friday, Aug. 30, in Benton, Mo.

“I didn’t feel anything but excitement,” Burleson said. “I knew I was gonna get it. I knew that ball was mine. I knew there was no way they were gonna take it from me.”

With neither team equipped to kick field goals, goal line stands became do-or-die moments for each team. The Kelly defense answered the challenge numerous times.

“They were capable of getting the ball in there and we were capable of stopping them,” Burleson said. “It was just whoever had the most heart in that game.”

The Hawks took the 22-20 lead after Senior quarterback Skyler Still scored his second rushing touchdown of the game. After his touchdown tied it, his two-point pass to Burleson put the Hawks in winning position.

In both of his rushing touchdowns, Still had to bulldoze through a Charleston defender to get to the goal line.

“I love that, actually,” Still said. “I love the contact. I love running through people.”

Still had previously played the hero in his older teammates’ senior nights. This time, he got to experience victory on his night.

“It meant a lot,” Still said.” I was playing for myself and all the seniors out there. We all play for each other and just had to get this win for each other.”

Charleston scored the first touchdown of the game within the last 2 minutes of the first quarter on a 68-yard punt return by Betts.

Kelly tied the game 6-6 at the start of the second quarter as the defense forced a fumble, scooped it up and took it to the other end zone for a touchdown.

The Blue Jays reestablished their lead on a rushing touchdown by Kanarrius Clark.

Still was able to get the offense moving in the second quarter through his aggressive mobility. He evaded defenders and scrambled his way to the red zone, then dashed 10 yards for his first touchdown run. After tying the game, The Hawks converted the two-point conversion to help Kelly take a 14-12 lead by halftime.

Still intercepted a pass from Charleston quarterback Chase Kearby to preserve the lead entering halftime. With two interceptions throughout the game. Still was more impressive as a safety than quarterback.

“I see that ball go in the air, and I just knew it was mine,” Still said.

Charleston started the second half by converting an onside kick to start the third quarter on offense. Betts scored his second touchdown of the game when he scrambled for 30 yards to end zone to give the Blue Jays a temporary 20-14 lead.

Kelly has won its season opener five five straight years now. These seniors get to finish their careers knowing they were perfect on their special night.

“It meant a lot to carry on the tradition,” Burleson said.

Kelly (1-0) travels to Scott City on Sept. 6 to take on the rival Rams.

Charleston (0-1) will travel to Chaffee on the same day.