Turner running back scores four touchdowns for win

Turner running back Jaylin Richardson (5) got a block from junior fullback Rocco Avelluto (40) on a run in the first quarter. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)

by Brian Turrel

Turner High School running back Jaylin Richardson let loose at Friday night’s game against Washington High School, scoring four touchdowns in a 28 – 6 home victory.

Washington’s defense had no answer for Richardson’s speed around the end, and Richardson was able to get to the edge repeatedly on run and pass plays.

Turner starting quarterback Jaelon Harley was held out of the game with a dislocated shoulder, turning responsibilities over to backup Joey Flinn, who tossed two touchdown passes to Richardson.

The Washington Wildcats had trouble mounting a drive in the first half, but started to come alive in the second half as quarterback Alex Howard started to look down field. They finally broke through midway through the third quarter with a 91-yard touchdown pass from Howard to wide receiver KeyShawn King.

The win takes Turner’s record to 1 – 1, and they will play Basehor-Linwood next Friday at home. Washington drops to 0 – 2, and will face Maize South (Wichita) at home next week.

Photos copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel

Washington junior running back Scyler Wallace (11) attempted to plow through the line of scrimmage in the first quarter. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Jaylin Richardson scored a running touchdown in the second quarter. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Turner sophomore defensive back Josh Becton (2) intercepted a Washington pass near the sideline. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
The Turner Marching Band entertained the crowd at halftime. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
The ball squirted free from the pile, presenting Washington freshman lineman Levi MacDonald (64) a prime opportunity for a fumble recovery. The fumble stopped a Turner drive near the Washington goal line. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Washington senior wide receiver KeyShawn King (4) broke a tackle and raced down the right sideline for a touchdown. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Washington quarterback Alex Howard (16) launched a pass under pressure from Turner defensive lineman Chris Burch (8). (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Jaylin Richardson almost broke free on another run in the fourth quarter. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Junior lineman Christian Rogers made a great play after the game, scoring a homecoming date with cheerleader Kaelee. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)

T-Bones keep playoff hopes alive with 11-8 win

T-Bones shortstop Niko Vasquez hit a three-run home run in the third inning. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)

by Brian Turrel

The Kansas City T-Bones shook off an early four-run deficit to win Sunday evening’s game over the St. Paul Saints 11 – 8. The win kept alive the T-Bones playoff chances going into the regular season’s final game.

The T-Bones play the Saints at 1 p.m. Monday at Community America Ballpark in Kansas City, Kansas. The T-Bones are celebrating Fan Appreciation Day with a “Kids Eat Free” promotion and $1 general admission tickets.

The T-Bones earned the win for reliever Grant Sides with three runs in the 7th inning, after the Saints had scored four in the top of the inning. Designated hitter Tucker Pennell struck a two-run double, and center fielder Cedric Hunter hit an RBI single to take the 10 – 8 lead.

The T-Bones added a run in the eighth to complete the scoring, helped by two wild pitches from Saints reliever Ivan Vieitez, who took the loss. American Association Relief Pitcher of the Year winner Cody Winiarski pitched the ninth inning for the T-Bones to get the save.

The beginning of the game did not look promising, with T-Bones starter Jared Mortensen giving up two runs in each of the first two innings, assisted by some leaky defense. The T-Bones hit the ball solidly in the first two innings, but weren’t able to score.

The T-Bones turned up the power in the bottom of the third, with a three-run home run by Niko Vazquez, followed two batters later by Kyle Petty with a two-run homer.

The T-Bones extended their lead to 7 – 4 in the sixth inning, scoring on a sacrifice bunt from second baseman Marcus Lemon and a sacrifice fly from first baseman Kevin Keyes.

The T-Bones are still in contention for the second wild card spot in the American Association playoffs. To take advantage, they will need a win today, along with losses by the Gary Southshore Railcats and Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks.

Photos copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel

T-Bones left fielder Kyle Petty hit a two-run home run in the third inning. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
T-Bones mascot Sizzle came face to face with the winner of the cutest baby contest. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Starting pitcher Jared Mortensen pitched six innings, giving up six earned runs. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Catcher Zane Chavez tagged out the Saints’ Maxx Garrett on a collision at home plate. Kyle Petty made the throw from left field for the assist. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Pitcher Grant Sides celebrated after applying the final tag in a six-throw rundown play that involved holding runners on second and third base. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Right fielder Chantz Mack’s shattered bat sailed into the infield. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)

Catcher Zane Chavez hit an RBI single in the eighth inning to give the T-Bones a three-run lead. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)

Catcher Zane Chavez hit an RBI single in the eighth inning to give the T-Bones a three-run lead. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)

Reliever Cody Winiarski pitched a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save. Winiarski was named the American Association’s Relief Pitcher of the Year and was named to the league’s post-season all-star team. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)

Bonner Springs beats Turner, 56-0, in football opener

Bonner Springs senior Adam McClure was recognized along with many other members of the senior class during a Senior Night ceremony before the game. He was accompanied by his mother, Melanie Stroda. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)

by Brian Turrel

Bonner Springs High School started the 2017 football season with an emphatic 56 – 0 home victory over Turner on Friday.

Bonner Springs junior quarterback Noah Villarreal showed a killer instinct, throwing touchdown passes to senior receivers Caden Henley and Jamison Jackson. Bonner also scored on special teams, breaking a punt return to the outside to score just before halftime.

Turner senior quarterback Jaelon Harley at times showed a good arm and great speed, but was harassed all night by the Bonner defense. The Turner offensive line didn’t offer enough blocking to break a long pass or run. Harley played both sides of the ball in the first half, but looked the worse for wear each time he came off the field.

The game was competitive through the first quarter, with Turner stopping Bonner’s drives short for two field goals. However, Bonner soon took over the game, putting up four touchdowns in the second quarter to take a 35 – 0 lead.

The third quarter offered more of the same with Bonner scoring two touchdowns and dominating the line of scrimmage on both offense and defense. Turner came closest to scoring in the fourth quarter, but was stopped by penalties.

Next Friday, Bonner Springs goes on the road to play De Soto High School, while Turner stays at home to play Washington.

Photos copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel

Turner senior quarterback Jaelon Harley (11) stayed out of the grasp of Bonner Springs defensive end Bryce Krone (19) on an end run in the first quarter. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Bonner Springs senior kicker Kaleb Hightower (25) made two field goals in the first quarter. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Bonner Springs junior defensive back Devante Washington (21) pulled down Jaelon Harley along the sideline on a quarterback run in the second quarter. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Bonner Springs senior wide receiver Colin Henley (6) managed to keep a foot in bounds on this pass in the second quarter, securing a first down and setting up a Bonner touchdown. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Turner senior wide receiver Joey Flinn (16) was taken down from behind by Bonner Springs senior defender Bryant Stimac (4). (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Bonner Springs junior quarterback Noah Villareal (8) looked for an open receiver down field, protected by senior lineman Adam McClure (70). (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Bonner Springs senior wide receiver Caden Henley (5) scored on a pass from junior quarterback Noah Villareal. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
The Bonner Springs cheerleaders led the crowd in a cheer at the start of the third quarter. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Bonner Springs senior receiver Alonzo Hokes (20) ran in a touchdown. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
Bonner Springs junior quarterback Dalton Blakemore (1) was upended by Turner junior linebacker Robert Magil (42) as he attempted to score in the third quarter. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)
The Bonner Springs football team listened intently to head coach Chad Eaddy as he described the effort they would need to win next week at De Soto. (Photo copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel)