The start of the Kettle Run football season is burning hot! As of early September, the varsity team has gone 3-0 in regular season play. This started with the season opener at Heritage, which resulted in a 27-14 win. This was the first time the Cougars had ever beat them. It was sweet revenge after losing to Heritage in last year’s season opener at home, 28-25. The second game was a blowout win at Meridian. Kettle Run won with a dominating score of 58-13.

Most recently was the home opener against Brentsville, which resulted in a 38-7 Cougar win. This was a big team win. After losing over 10 seniors from last season, Kettle Run had to work hard to fill those big roles. Several returning varsity players stepped up bigtime this game. This includes seniors Jordan Tapscott, Abram Chumley, and Peyton Mehaffey along with sophomore Colton Quaker. Tapscott scored two touchdowns, one of which being on an interception return. Chumley, who used to play tight end, has been a standout quarterback. He had two rushing touchdowns, and connected with Tapscott on a passing touchdown. Mehaffey and Quaker combined for 104 yards and a touchdown. Overall the team came together well to beat one of our rival schools that sits just 15 minutes down the road. 

Since it was the first Friday Night Lights at Kettle Run, the student section, or “Cage”, was packed. The theme was “Jersey Night”, and the students delivered. Energy was high, but the opposing Brentsville student section put up a challenge. Loud cheers, confetti bombs, and smoke canons solidified the Cage’s supremacy. Unfortunately, silly string is no longer allowed in the student section. 

So far the Kettle Run football team is looking good. They play a very similar schedule as last year, and it will be interesting to see if they keep knocking down these opponents despite the loss of last year’s seniors. As of September 13, both Kettle Run and John Handley sit atop the Northwestern Region, with records of 3-0. The two don’t match up until October 22, for a highly anticipated game. Last year Kettle Run pulled away with a 47-34 win. Overall, the Cougars seem to be coming together well as they attempt a three-peat of the district championship.