Church Propels Kennedy on Offense and Defense

Kennedy High running back Vince Church scored three touchdowns against Anaheim Friday night, but it was his play on defense that proved to be the difference in the Irish’s 22-20 victory at Handel Stadium.

Church knocked down a conversion pass from Colonist quarterback Phillip Covarrubias with 1:18 left to preserve the win.

Covarrubias had connected with Tony Olivos on a 50-yard touchdown pass to give Anaheim a chance to tie.

Kennedy (2-1) trailed, 14-7, at halftime, but came back with two touchdowns by Church. His 22-yard run on the Irish’s first play of the half tied the score at 14. Then, with 10:15 to play, quarterback John Guthrie connected with Church for a 31-yard scoring pass. Church’s two-point conversion run made the score 22-14 at 10:15 of the fourth period.

The Colonist defense, led by Say Iemsisanith held Church to just 33 yards in the first half. Iemsisanith sacked Guthrie three times for losses of 30 yards. His first sack caused a fumble that was returned 30 yards by James Parsons for Anaheim’s first touchdown.

Allen Akau scored Anaheim’s other touchdown on a four-yard pass reception in the second quarter.

Church, who finished with 119 yards in total offense, also had a one-yard, first-quarter touchdown run.