Journal-World (Lawrence, KS)
June 20, 1997

KANSAS BLANKS MISSOURI IN ALL-STAR GAME
Author: Steve Rottinghaus, Journal-World Sports Writer

A quintet of defensive starters from Lawrence High helped the Kansas All-Stars rout Missouri, 20-0, in the Coca-Cola Metro Classic.

Kansas never did show the team from the Show-Me State the end zone in Thursday night's Coca-Cola Metro Classic football game.

Kansas smothered Missouri, 20-0, in the all-star contest at Shawnee Mission South District Stadium featuring recent high school graduates in the Kansas City metro area.

Five of the defensive starters for Kansas came via Lawrence High. Matt Black, Nate Coffman, Bryce Crady, Nick Jamison and Jon Penny all figured in the shutout.

"We worked hard all week on defense," said Coffman, a 5-foot-7, 135-pound defensive back who sported a gash on the bridge of his nose afterward. "It was great to put a big goose egg up. We knew they had a couple of big backs, and knew they were tough and big. We came out here and played hard and came away with a win."
Kansas limited Missouri to just 93 total yards in total offense, only 70 yards on the ground. Missouri reached the 50-yard line just twice and never penetrated deeper than Kansas' 42-yard line.

"We knew they had a pretty good offense and would come straight at us," said Jon Penny, a 6-foot-1, 220-pounder who will walk on at Nebraska. "Our coach (Rick Clark, Spring Hill) prepared us very well. It was a real fun game. We had no idea we'd get a shutout. We were fired up."

Walter Thomas, a 5-7, 180-pound running back from Kansas City Washington, rushed for a game-high 118 yards on 13 carries to lead Kansas. Thomas, named the team's most valuable player, gained 75 yards in the second half.

Kansas led 6-0 at halftime on two field goals by Blue Valley's Kirk Johnson. He connected on a 20-yarder with 2:07 left in the first quarter and a 35-yard field goal 14 seconds into the second quarter.

With 2:10 left in the first half, Black pinned Missouri's punt returner at Missouri's four-yard line.

Kansas increased its lead to 12-0 following a 12-play, 73-yard drive. Shawnee Mission North running back LaRon McKinnis capped the series with a 13-yard burst.
On its final possession, Kansas covered 80 yards on 12 plays. Olathe South running back Chris Willhoite scored on a four-yard run with 41 seconds left. Quarterback Mike Hoit of Kansas City Turner ran in the two-point conversion.

Missouri starting quarterback Matt Sullivan of Excelsior Springs, completed 2-of-5 passes for 17 yards. The Kansas University signee was under pressure all night and was stuffed for minus-19 yards on five carries.

Sullivan, also the team's punter, punted seven times for a 36.1-yard average. His final kick covered 70 yards.

"Coming in they were kind of favored," Crady said of Missouri. "I was looking for it to be a lot closer. I was surprised."

Crady stuck Sullivan for a 10-yard loss on the third play of the game.

"That outside linebacker position gives you more freedom to roam," Crady said.

The all-star contest marked Crady's final football game.

"The last minute or so it wasn't fun," said Crady, a 6-1, 195-pounder. "It takes away from the win a little bit knowing you're done."

With the victory, Kansas took a 4-2 lead in the series.

Copyright (c) 1997 Journal-World