Kennedale’s season opener, a game against 0-2 Sunnyvale was as exciting as a game possibly could be.
Kennedale came out playing their first game of the season and it showed. 12 penalties and sloppy play throughout. But, they kept fighting. With less than nine minutes in the final quarter, Kennedale finally took their first lead of the game off of a Jeremiah Myers touchdown pass to put them up one.
Sunnyvale, desperately wanted their first win though as they marched back with a field goal to give themselves a 27-25 lead.
A Kennedale punt, followed by a Sunnyvale turnover late though gave Kennedale one more opportunity to end the night with a victory. The Kennedale offense came roaring down the field as they marched down to the five-yard line with just enough time left for one final play.
Aidar Birr, an honorable mention to the all-state team just last year had a tough outing. He missed an extra point and a 44-yard attempt earlier in the evening. Birr though had one final kick, to potentially win the game for Kennedale.
As time expired, Birr lined up and booted it through the uprights. Despite being down most of the night, Birr and his leg sent Kennedale home with a win and for Sunnyvale, an 0-3 start to its season.
“Felt great seeing it go through it was a great team victory. Nothing like starting the season off with a win.” Birr said on his game-winning kick.
Kennedale with the win goes to 1-0 on the year. Last season they carried a 7-3 record into the playoffs before getting blown out in the opening round of the 4A D1 playoffs by China Springs 50-22.
This year Birr, along with one of the best players in all of Texas, JD Coffey, looks for a deeper playoff run this time around.
“It’s good to start with a win because it sets the tone for the season,” Birr said.
“That we are going to work hard every day and fight through adversity,” Birr said on what can be expected from him and his team this season.
Birr when he was needed most, put the team on his back and got the job done. Despite him and his team struggling all day, he came through when it mattered the most. That’s what can be said about this 2020 Kennedale squad. You can never count them out.
“I’m a hard worker and I’m just trying to get better every day,” Birr said on what fans should know about him.
