By Tim Clinton
SPORTS EDITOR
Kennedy Catholic's comeback attempt was turned back by Kentlake in a 42-28 loss at French Field in Kent on Friday.
The Lancers trailed by 28-7 and 35-14 scores before closing the gap to 35-28 with 3:44 to play in the fourth quarter.
But the ensuing onside kick was awarded to Kentlake and the Falcons went on to score the final touchdown of the game.
Kentlake improved to 4-1 on the year while knocking Kennedy to 3-2.
Brandon Mortenson scored first for Kentlake on a 1-yard quarterback keeper with 3:05 to play in the first quarter and Tyler Hopp kicked the extra point.
Mortenson struck on a 20-yard pass at 3:18 to go in the second quarter and Hopp's kick made it 14-0.
Kennedy put a crooked number on the scoreboard at the 2:01 mark when freshman quarterback Sam Huard hit Trenton Morrison down the left sideline for a 31-yard touchdown.
Michael Snyder's kick made it 14-7.
Mortenson scored on another 1-yard run 13 seconds before the half and padded the lead further on a 27-yard touchdown pass at the 7:15 mark of the third quarter.
Kennedy made it 28-14 at 5:08 in the third on a 3-yard run by senior Kendell Oakes and Snyder's conversion kick.
Mortenson ran for his third 1-yard TD with 27 ticks remaining on the third quarter clock before Kennedy struck twice and made it 35-28.
Oakes ran for a 36-yard touchdown at 10:53 to play in the fourth and Huard passed to Junior Alexander from the 8-yard line at 3:44. Snyder made both conversions.
But Kentlake wound up with the onside kick and scored again with 1:29 left to put the game away. Marques Fualaau ran it in from the 19 and Hopp kicked yet another PAT.
Two of Kennedy's biggest plays did not lead to scores.
Huard lateraled the ball to Primo Ramirez and Ramirez passed to Jabez Tinae for a 66-yard gain in the first quarter and Huard passed to Morrison for 49 in the fourth.
Huard is the son of former University of Washington quarterback Damon Huard and the grandson of former longtime Puyallup High School coach Mike Huard.