Roos rally in second half, advance to semifinals

The Kentwood Kangaroos are making their second straight LHSAA 1A Semifinal appearance since winning the 1A Championship in 2015. 

By Jesse Brooks

The third seeded Kentwood Kangaroos shutout No. 6 Haynesville for the last three straight quarters of last Friday’s Quarterfinal of the LHSAA Class 1A playoffs, resulting in a final score of 14-10.
Much of the game was a stiff defensive matchup, and Haynesville held the early advantage when running back Kavacion Webster broke loose on a 40yard touchdown run that resulted in a touchdown with 6:33 remaining in the period. Sergio Hardwell scored on the ensuing 2-pt. conversion to put Haynesville up 8-0.
The Haynesville defense was responsible for their next score as they forced the Roos to fumble while backed into their own end zone. The ball would roll out-of-bounds, resulting in a safety for Haynesville.
Though both teams struggled on offense, the Roos began having success running the ball with junior running back Larry Carter. Carter, feeling 100 percent, turned in a dominant performance, rushing for 126 yards on the ground on 23 carries.
Carter was the first to put the Roos on the board by capping off a drive with a 3-yard touchdown run with 4:50 left in the first half. Following the extra point, the Roos would cut into Haynesville’s lead 10-7, resulting in the halftime score.
As both teams continued to shut each other down through stout defense for a majority of the second half, it would just take a small offensive edge to win the match. At the 5:45 mark in the third quarter, the Roos found a break in Haynesville’s armor when quarterback Lorenz Morris finished off a drive with a 7-yard touchdown keeper. After the extra point, the Roos got the 14-10 advantage they needed as their defense successfully shutout Haynesville for the remainder of regulation playing time.
The victory marks the third consecutive season of reaching the Semifinal round for the Roos. In 2015, the Roos won the Class 1A Championship led by quarterback Shyheim Carter.
This Friday Kentwood will face No. 2 Oak Grove on the road. In the previous round, Oak Grove defeated No. 6 Basile 34-6. Kickoff for Friday is scheduled for 7 p.m.