The Perry Lecompton Kaws opened the 2021 season right where they picked up a year ago when they reached the state championship game for the second straight season as Friday night the Kaws were dominant in a 40-6 season opening win over Jeff West.

The Kaws wasted no time jumping out in front as they forced a Jeff West punt on their opening drive before needing just two plays to find the end zone on a 30-yard touchdown run by Gunnar Ball.

Jeff West responded going on a drive that went into Perry Lecompton territory, but Tigers’ quarterback Kaden Stones was picked off at the Kaws 30-yard line halting the chance to put points on the board.

Perry couldn’t cash in going three-and-out, but forced a punt on the ensuing Jeff West drive and took advantage going on a 10 play, 74-yard drive that resulted in a 12-yard touchdown pass from Ball to Kael Gorski to make it 13-0.

Karson Black then picked off Stones for the Kaws second takeaway of the game and Perry drove down the field in six plays before Ball connected with Ty Williams on a 9-yard score with two seconds to go in the second quarter.

It was a huge touchdown for the Kaws who also got the ball to start the third quarter and Perry quickly put the game away on the first play as Ball picked up his fourth touchdown of the game on an 85-yard kick return for a score to make it 27-0.

The Kaws would tack on two touchdowns late on a 2-yard run by Reichan Rush and a 10-yard run by Jesse Herman, while Jeff West’s only score came on a 10-yard run by Kaden Stones.

Perry Lecompton had a huge day from Gunnar Ball who was named our Citizen State Bank and Trust Company in Hiawatha Player of the Game as he collected 234 total yards with four touchdowns, while Reichan Rush added 189 yards on the ground with a score.

Wesley Monaghan paved the way up front for the Kaws and was named our Lineman of the Game presented by Giant Communications.

Jeff West just couldn’t sustain a drive all night long and were led by Stones who ran for 91 yards and a score.

Perry Lecompton (1-0) will travel to Hiawatha next week while Jeff West (0-1) heads to Clay Center.