***William Ly is a participant of The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program, funded by the Harry Anderson Memorial Trust.
The Boilermakers traveled to Hall High School Friday and came away with a 42-17 win.
This was their fifth game of the season and their third conference game. The first touchdown in the game occurred at 7:38 of the first quarter on a 13-yard run by freshman Ace LaFollette. Senior Colson Welgat nailed the kick to give the Boilers a 7-0 lead.
Soon after, the Boilermaker defense won the ball back, giving the Boilermakers another chance to score in the first quarter.
With 1:29 left to go, senior Alex Duarte ran in the ball for another touchdown. Welgat kicked again, and the Boilermakers went up to 14-0.
In the second quarter, the Boilermakers forced a turnover on downs to get the ball with five minutes left. In just two quick plays, the Boilermakers got another touchdown on a 58-yard run by senior Dontaveon Thomas.
Welgat made the extra point, which concluded the half at 21-0 in favor of Kewanee.
The Boilermakers did not slow down in the second half.
After a quick stop by the Boilermaker defense, Duarte ran 69 yards to the end zone to get his second touchdown of the game. Welgat once again kicked in the extra point to make the score 28-0.
Shortly after, LaFollette earned his second touchdown with five minutes remaining in the third quarter.
A minute later, Hall scored their first touchdown on a pass from Dylan Glynn to Braden Curran.
The Boilermakers fired back, with Duarte getting his third touchdown of the night on a 56-yard run. With Welgat’s extra point, the third quarter ended 42-7.
In the fourth quarter, Hall was able to get a field goal and another touchdown, but the score differential was too much for the Red Devils to overcome.
Kewanee earned their second win of the season.
Next on their schedule are the Mendota Trojans. They will play at home on Oct. 4 to conclude Kewanee High School’s Homecoming Week.
Game stats:
The Boilermakers finished with 440 rushing yards. Duarte led the charge with 235 yards on 11 carries with LaFollette following with 112 yards on nine carries.
Welgat went two for four on passing to gain eight yards.
Touchdowns came from Alex Duarte (three), Ace LaFollette (two), and Dontaveon Thomas (one).
The Red Devils had 239 rushing yards in total, with junior Aiden Redcliff having the most with 117 yards on 26 carries.
Hall Quarterback Dylan Glenn went two for seven on passes for 69 yards.
Hall Touchdowns come from Braden Curran (one) and Jack Curran (one).
