Football is weird, and doesn't make sense sometimes. We have to become okay with that. 

This past Friday, NKC football traveled to Lee's Summit to take on the 1-4 Tigers. This game flipped the consistent narrative, rather quickly. JJ Johnson hit Chase Porter regularly, tallying 150 yards and 3 touchdowns by game's end. 

For 3 and a half quarters, the Hornet defense held the Tiger offense at bay. Only giving up a single score through 3 quarters. But with 5 minutes to go the Tigers caught fire. Alex Benassi got hot through the air, capping off a 13 play drive with a short rushing touchdown. 

Forcing a three-and-out, the Tigers took back over, down 20-14 at their own 47. This time it would take just 5 plays to take the lead, as Benassi completed 4 straight passes, and finished it with his legs. 

JJ Johnson was tasked with carrying out the two-minute drill, with zero timeouts. After hitting Porter on a slip screen and taking a sack, the offense found themselves backed up with under a minute to play. Johnson escaped the pressure and threw to a contested Porter. Lee's Summit fans will say it was a clean hit, but to most, there was sketchy contact to the helmet area of Porter. Nonetheless, the pass fell into the arms of a Lee's Summit defender. Solidifying the result. 

It isn't time to sound the alarm, or change much if you're the Hornets. Undoubtedly, the foundation is there. Johnson and Porter made plays. The defensive line forces offenses away from the ground game. Murray and Powell made plays all night, narrowly missing 4 interceptions. It will be just fine. Time is scarce, but is still on the Hornet's side. 

As fans, we have to stand behind our boys, even in the losing effort. Lose with class, to win with class. Be good people. 

The Hornet's return to action October 8th at home against the undefeated #8 Park Hill South Panthers in a game with HUGE playoff implications. We hope to see you there!