Kennedy Shuts Out San Luis Obispo : DIVISION VII

Kennedy took advantage of five turnovers and went on to beat San Luis Obispo, 28-0, Friday in the first round of the Southern Section Division VII playoffs at Western High School.

Kennedy’s Randy Lutfi recovered the opening kickoff at the SLO 17 following a jarring hit by Randy Ellison. Two plays later, Kennedy’s Chris Clark completed a five-yard touchdown pass to Wes Morris.

Kennedy turned its first of three interceptions into a 14-0 lead. The Irish went 62 yards in 10 plays. Charles Morino, who led Kennedy with 88 yards rushing, scored on a six-yard run late in the first quarter.

“Morino is truly our workhorse,” Kennedy Coach Mitch Olson said. “But the big difference all night was that our offensive line took charge and gave Clark time to throw.”

Clark was 14 of 19 for 170 yards and a touchdown. He also had an interception.

The 48-yard punt return to San Luis Obispo’s 22 by Kennedy’s Don Ballares set up the third score early in the second quarter. Marino capped the five-play drive with a two-yard plunge up the middle for a touchdown.

Kennedy went up, 28-0, taking the third-quarter kickoff 68 yards for a touchdown in only five plays. Darrin Martineau scored on a 13-yard run.

Kennedy will play Montclair Prep in the second round.