Ardrey Kell football wins conference opener against South Meck

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By Corey Inscoe

Quarterback Nathan Turnbow was a part of all four Ardrey Kell touchdowns as the Knights opened Southwestern 4A conference play with a 31-9 road win over rival South Mecklenburg Friday.

The win makes the Knights 4-0 this season.

“I’m very proud of our guys,” said Ardrey Kell coach Adam Hastings, adding that the win against a rival was especially important for his seniors. “I thought they got after it and really had a great game.”

Turnbow opened the scoring with a 54-yard touchdown run just three minutes into the game.

That score was quickly answered by South Meck (1-4) with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Alex Adams to CJ Thompson. The Sabres missed the extra point and trailed 7-6 with 7:40 left in the first.

Near the end of the first quarter, Turnbow threw a 21-yard screen pass to running back Quay Gilmore for a touchdown, giving the Knights a 14-6 lead.

The Ardrey Kell defense, led by linebacker Kalen Elkins, made it hard for South Meck to move the ball the rest of the game.

“Kalen’s done a great job,” said Hastings. “He’s a leader and stepped up. Really proud of him.”

South Meck’s last score of the game was a 32-yard field goal by David Lamb to cut Ardrey Kell's lead to 14-9 with 8:59 left in the second quarter.

Turnbow and receiver Reginald Woods II connected twice for touchdowns in the second quarter, first from 71 yards and then from 28 yards out. Ardrey Kell took a 28-9 lead into halftime.

“Reggie had my back,” said Turnbow. “I threw a ball that wasn’t the best and he went and got it so it’s just great to have him.”

The Ardrey Kell offensive line opened up wide holes for Turnbow and Gilmore, who finished with 189 yards rushing. Turnbow had 77 rush yards on top of 138 passing yards.

“I thought up front we played really well,” said Hastings. “We replaced four starters (from last year) and those guys have really stepped up. They’ve really worked their tails off.”

The third quarter passed without a score, even though a snap over South Meck punter Lamb’s head gave Ardrey Kell the ball four yards from the end zone midway through the period. Penalties moved the Knights back and kicker Derek Ondrof missed a 30-yard field goal.

Ondrof made up for it with 7:13 left in the game by hitting a 27-yard field goal to give Ardrey Kell a 31-9 lead.

Ardrey Kell is off to its first 4-0 start since 2008. Hastings said his team is playing well as they prepare to host Independence next week.

“I think we’re capitalizing on our opportunities,” said Hastings. “If we continue to do that I think good things will happen.”

Inscoe: 704-358-5923; Twitter: @CoreyInscoe