SHERRARD — Matthew Taylor’s head coaching career got off to a good start Friday, as the Kewanee Boilermakers picked up a 28-21 road win at Sherrard.

In Taylor’s first game at the helm of the KHS program, the Boilers got two touchdown runs from quarterback Brady Clark and held off a late surge by the host team.

Clark opened the scoring late in the first quarter with a five-yard touchdown run. 

Ben Taylor added a touchdown in the second quarter on a 25-yard pass reception. Alex Duarte ran in the two-point conversion.

Sherrard scored in the second quarter to make the halftime score 14-7 Kewanee.

A scoreless third quarter set the stage for a fourth quarter in which both teams scored twice.

Duarte scored on a three-yard run, and Clark ran 37 yards for the Boilers’ final score. Clark kicked the extra points after both TDs.

The Boilers will face Erie-Prophetstown next Friday for their home opener. Erie Prophetstown was defeated 26-7 by Bureau Valley in its opening game Friday.