Simon Kenton opened the 2026 season in impressive fashion Friday night, pulling away from Dixie Heights for a convincing 42-13 victory.
The win was the Pioneers’ fourth straight over the Colonels and offered an early glimpse at the potential of a Simon Kenton squad with plenty of young talent surrounding returning quarterback Grant Webb.
Dixie Heights struck first when Parks Vonderhaar broke loose for a 55-yard touchdown run midway through the opening quarter. Simon Kenton answered late in the period, with Peyton Testerman ripping off a 39-yard run to set up a two-yard Moise Smith touchdown.
Smith quickly struck again. After Kyle King recovered a Dixie fumble early in the second quarter, Smith raced 59 yards for his second touchdown, giving the Pioneers a 13-6 advantage.
Simon Kenton took complete control from there.
PHOTOS: Simon Kenton at Dixie Heights
Webb helped ignite the passing game, including a 42-yard touchdown strike to Samuel Hughes in the third quarter. He later connected with Joe Helmick for a 38-yard gain as the Pioneers continued to pile up explosive plays.
Jason Rabe became the third Simon Kenton player to score on the ground as the lead ballooned to 42-13 before the end of the third quarter.
For a Simon Kenton team featuring a veteran quarterback and a young group of playmakers, the dominant opener provided an encouraging start to what could be a big season in Independence.
FRIDAY NIGHTS TAKE A TEAM.
So does covering them. If you value TSF’s game coverage, consider leaving a tip to support the people working to bring you stories from across the Tri-State.
TIP TSF
