BUFFALO – To the hometown faithful who were searching for a sign that a victory for Altoona-Midway was imminent Friday night … you might say there was just “something in the air.”
That “something” could have been the excitement of Homecoming ceremonies … the thirst to avenge an early-season loss to the same opponent … or the inspiring “fly-over” by local pilot Jacob Parazini prior to kickoff.
Whether it was one of those factors, a combination of the aforementioned moments, or simply a well-played game by the Jet gridders- Altoona-Midway scored twice in the fourth quarter to post a thrilling 19-14 victory over Southern Coffey County before a delighted Homecoming crowd at Frank Kennedy Field.
“What a special night,” said AMHS first-year head coach Tod Dutton, who notched his first victory at the helm of the Jets. “I was very pleased with our effort overall. It was an exciting evening with Homecoming and the fly-by by a local crop duster … and our play matched the rousing events of the night.
“The last quarter and a half, we had four freshmen on the field,” Dutton noted. “I was so glad for the win for our seniors (Kage Beck and Kenny Smith) and also to get a “W” for the freshmen.”
After a defensive struggle saw Southern Coffey County holding a precarious 7-6 advantage after three quarters, a wild fourth quarter decided the contest.
The Jets opened the scoring in the wide-open fourth quarter when Kage Beck found Zach Good for a 20-yard touchdown. Beck added the PAT, and AMHS led 13-7.
But with under three minutes remaining, the Titans found pay dirt on a long run and added the conversion to take a 14-13 lead.
But Altoona-Midway was not to be denied on this special night. On the ensuing drive, Beck took a pitchout with just over two minutes to play and raced 40 yards for what proved to be the game-winning score.
Beck, who also scored the Jets’ first-half TD on a 10-yard run, had a great all-around game for Altoona-Midway, running for two scores and throwing for another.
Beck finished with eight carries for 77 yards while sophomore Chance Carter led the ground attack with 83 yards on 13 carries.
Caden Sicka picked up 83 yards passing, while Beck added 36 yards, and Beck hauled in four receptions for 70 yards, and Zach Good had one TD catch covering 20 yards.
Defensively, Beck had eight solo tackles and five assists, while Smith added six solo tackles, two assists, and caused a fumble.
“Kenny was playing his best game of the year before he went out with an injury during the third quarter,” Dutton said.
Carter had five solo stops, one sack, and two assists. Good totaled six tackles, three unassisted, and had a fumble recovery. The Jets also got five tackles from Caden Sicka, three from Karter Letterman, and one from Oliver Salas.
“We had four freshmen on the field for the last quarter and a half,” Dutton exclaimed. “They came up big for us. Coach (Dustin) Houchin had a good defensive plan, and the kids played well.
“Six penalties hurt the offense, but the tandem of Beck and Carter ran hard,” he added. “I’m proud of this group. They deserved this win.”
Just prior to the opening kickoff, fans at Frank Kennedy Field were treated to a unique flyover by a local crop-dusting pilot. Jacob Parazini buzzed the AMHS Homecoming crowd and sent a stream of blue smoke out of his single-engine aircraft, much to the surprise of the fans in attendance.
The game was a rematch of the same two foes back on Sept. 18 at LeRoy, when the Jets controlled play the first two quarters and led SCC 18-12 at halftime before the Titans rallied for a 40-18 victory.
Altoona-Midway has another revenge game coming up this Friday (Oct. 10), when the Jets host Chetopa. In the season opener, AMHS led midway in the third quarter before the Hornets rallied for a 25-12 win. Kickoff for the rematch is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Frank Kennedy Field.
AMHS Homecoming
AMHS Homecoming festivities were held prior to Friday’s game. Kylie Pierce was crowned 2025 Homecoming Queen, and Kenny Smith was named Homecoming King.
Other members of the Jet Homecoming Court included: Shelbi Bryant, Eryn Tiger, and Ava Tindle, along with Kage Beck, Blake Nalley, and Braxton Wittlake.