Thompson’s kickoff return sparks McKeesport

By JEREMY TEPPER

MVI Sports

The course of McKeesport’s (5-1, 4-1) game against Laurel Highlands (1-5, 1-4) changed when the ball was kicked to Kanye Thompson.

Fresh off a touchdown drive that ended with quarterback Rodney Gallagher sneaking it in early in the second quarter, Laurel Highlands had tied the game at 7-7.

Minutes later, Thompson caught the kickoff at the one-yard line, weaved through defenders and took it 99 yards to the end zone. The Tigers took a touchdown lead and firmly held on the rest of the way, beating Laurel Highlands, 35-20. 

“When they scored we were a little down, and then we were able to turn around and have a big return,” said Tigers coach Matt Miller. “Just to turn the momentum to our side, that was big.”

Coming off a 12-7 win over West Mifflin last week, Miller thought his offense made some strides this week. Three Tigers finished with more than 50 rushing yards, with Caleb Reist leading the way with 81. 

McKeesport controlled the game, outgaining Laurel Highlands 301-172. The Tigers built a 35-7 lead in the fourth quarter, but Laurel Highlands was able to collect touchdown catches by Matt Lucas and Joe Chambers to make the final score a little closer.

The Tigers turned it over twice and committed loads of penalties. So despite the positive result, Miller found himself focusing on those recurring issues.

“Too many mistakes still,” Miller said. “We had something like 17 penalties, maybe more. It’s ridiculous. We shoot ourselves in the foot every week.”

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