Kenner Discovery continues fine inaugural season with dramatic win in OT

The win personified the inaugural season for Kenner Discovery. Fight to the end, compete from start to finish and to finish well has been the rally cry for the Swamp Owls in 2019.

That continued Friday night.

Quarterback Kristian Kraft provided the winning margin with a 3-yard touchdown run in overtime in a 13-7 victory over Thomas Jefferson in the District 11-3A opener.

The score came after Kenner Discovery stopped the Jaguars in the extra period.

Speaking on The Three Tailgaters Show on NASH ICON 106.1 FM Saturday morning, Kenner Discovery coach P.J. Sprunk was effusive in his praise of his young team.

“This game was kind of a recap of how the last few weeks have been,” Sprunk said. “These coaches work so hard. These kids are incredible. These kids come to work everyday, make no excuses and find a way to win. Our last two games have been great defensive games for us. Over the last four games, we’ve only given up 23 points.”

Holden Gonzales scored on a 5-yard run to put Thomas Jefferson on top 7-0 by halftime.

It stayed that way until Dashawn Clark changed things, returning an interception 91 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter to tie the game, setting the stage for overtime.

The game was played in rain and on a sloppy, natural turf surface at Muss Bertolino Stadium in Kenner and offense was hard to come by for both teams. The Swamp Owls lost four fumbles in the tough conditions and still managed to win. Thomas Jefferson committed three turnovers.

“We have incredible fans,” Sprunk said. “Even in a monsoon, we had great support at the game and that is always important and it inspires our players and coaches. Both teams had the same conditions

Sprunk derived much of his philosophy and style from his days attending and playing at John Curtis Christian.

“It’s been since 2003 since I was at Curtis but it had such an impact on me,” Sprunk said. “The way they taught you to pay attention to detail. I can’t brag enough about Curtis. It’s what they do with preparation going into a game. They take the average athlete and make him a better person and a better athlete.”

With its fourth consecutive win, Kenner Discovery improved to 6-2 overall. The Swamp Owls host district favorite De La Salle next Thursday night at Bertolino while Thomas Jefferson renews its rivalry with Haynes the same night.

“Coach Manale does an excellent job,” Sprunk said. “They are a proven, outstanding program. We know it is going to be a very tough test. We will prepare well and we do not fear anyone.”

Regardless of what happens the rest of the way, Kenner Discovery is guaranteed of a winning season in its first year of varsity competition.

“It’s amazing that we have had a winning season but we’re not satisfied, at this point,” Sprunk said. “A lot of people did not expect much out of us this year. We worked hard as a junior varsity program last year and took lumps to get better. We have gotten better. The clear goal is the playoffs and we intend to get there.”