BUFFALO – Homecoming activities for a high school is always a cause for celebration.
So is setting a school record for points in a game.
Altoona-Midway High School was the site for both of those occurrences this weekend, as the Jets and their fans had reason for a double celebration Friday night at Frank Kennedy Field.
The gridiron battle saw Altoona-Midway roll to an astonishing 80-32 victory over Southern Coffey County, which also established a school record for most points in a single game. Incredibly, the Jets trailed 25-0 before going on their record-setting performance in the 6-Man, District 1 matchup.
The evening also saw the coronation of AMHS seniors Heather Lane and Blaine Collins as Queen and King of the 2023 Altoona-Midway Homecoming Court.
“We played with a lot of heart and a high level of energy,” said AMHS head coach Randy Almond. “I couldn’t be prouder of all the boys. It was a total team effort.”
Not only did the Jets rally from 25-down to snap a six-game losing streak and record their first win on the season, but their offensive explosion was the largest single-game output in AMHS history, including when Altoona and Midway fielded separate teams.
The 80-point outburst broke the previous school mark set in 2001 when the Jets, coached by Ed Bambick and playing in Mineral Belt League, crushed Elk Valley 72-22. Elk Valley had also been the victim to the school’s previous high-water mark before that, a 70-20 AMHS triumph in 1992 – a season in which the Jets, coached by Eric Larson, advanced to the third round of the state playoffs and finished 9-2.
A check of the records at kansasfootballhistory.com indicated that Altoona-Midway football teams have reached 60 or more points on 10 other occasions, including six times prior to the schools being consolidated.
“I’m really proud of every member of the team,” Almond exclaimed. “A special tip of the hat to the seniors. They all stepped up and really took on a leadership role.
“The boys played well as a team, they played hard, and they had fun,” he added. “You could feel the team unity.”
Things did not look rosy early in the contest, as Southern Coffey County jumped out to a 25-0 advantage, helped by several Jet turnovers.
“We got off to a horrible start, with three fumbles and an interception in the first quarter,” Almond noted. “But I was very proud of the boys for not giving up.”
William Stackhouse’s 75-yard kickoff return late in the first quarter finally put AMHS on the board, and the Jets caught fire from there, including an jaw-dropping 34-point second quarter which erased the huge early deficit and gave Altoona-Midway a 40-32 advantage at halftime.
Southern Coffey County, hampered by injuries, could only field five able-bodied players for much of the second half.
“It was a very physical game – good old hard-hitting, pads-popping football,” Almond said. “I commend the SCC squad and their coach. They played hard, even though having to play short-handed in the second half.”
Incredibly, the Jets made it back-to-back 34-point quarters in the third period, extending the lead to 74-32. A 26-yard touchdown run by Jacob Meigs with 5:49 on the clock finalized the 80-32 record-setting performance.
In addition to his kickoff return, Stackhouse hauled in three receiving touchdowns and rushed for another, giving him five TDs on the night and 20 for the season.
Meigs rushed for two scores, passed for another (63 yards) and also scooped up a fumble and returned it 75 yards for a TD.
Kieran Foster threw for five touchdowns and four extra points, and also rushed for a score and a PAT. Foster thus was associated with 41 points on the night.
Senior Blaine Collins and freshman Taj O’Conner both made major contributions as well. The duo each recorded a pair of TD receptions and both added catches for extra points.
Defensively, Almond sang the praises of Kage Beck, who was in on six total tackles, five unassisted.
“Kage has really stepped up on defense for us,” Almond said. “He has become a force tackling, making some really key tackles at key times. Kage has also stepped up on pass coverage as well.”
Meigs led the Jets in tackles with 10 total, including eight unassisted. Stackhouse finished with seven, while Collins, Foster and Joey Lamendola each added five. Lane Poeverlein was in on four stops and O’Conner finished with two.
Meigs had two fumble recoveries and swiped a pass, while Stackhouse had one of each and Collins also covered up a loose fumble.
Altoona-Midway, now 1-6 on the season, played a home game for the first time in nearly an entire month. The Jets three previous games had been on the road.
“We’re definitely hoping this gives us some momentum going into next week’s game against Burrton,” Almond said.
Following the Oct. 20 game against the Chargers (2-5), AMHS will then prepare for the Kansas Six-Man Football Playoffs.
Homecoming Festivities
Friday night was also Altoona-Midway’s 2023 Homecoming celebration. Prior to the game, seniors Heather Lane and Blaine Collins were crowned respectively as Queen and King for AMHS.
Other members of the Homecoming Court included: Queen attendants Chloe Stewart, Julia Hall and Kaylene Dorsey; King attendants Joseph Lamendola, Jacob Meigs and Caden Crawford.
Leading up to the coronation, AMHS held a Homecoming Spirit Week. Monday was Pajama Day; Tuesday was Hawaiian Day; Wednesday was Western Day; and Thursday was Barbie vs. Ken Day.
The King and Queen and their Court were feted with a Homecoming Dance following the game in Milo Peterson Gymnasium. The event was hosted by the AMHS Student Council.