Kennedy wins Empire opener

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T.J. Williams’ 287 yards rushing broke the Kennedy High single-game rushing record set in 1998. He also scored four touchdowns. Photo by Mark Plechot

Kennedy High got its Empire League season off on a winning note as the Fighting Irish defeated Pacifica High, 43-24, in the league opener for both teams on Friday at Western High.

Kennedy High got its Empire League season off on a winning note as the Fighting Irish defeated Pacifica High, 43-24, in the league opener for both teams on Friday at Western High.

Kennedy senior running back TJ Williams led the Fighting Irish with 287 yards and four touchdowns. Justin Minor ran for 86 yards and added a touchdown run of his own, that gave the Irish a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.

Pacifica tied the game with a touchdown run by Nick Howard in the first quarter. After taking a 14-7 lead into halftime, Kennedy began to pull away with two touchdowns and a safety in the third quarter. James Hansberry connected with Chris Mayo for a 25-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter that gave Kennedy a 36-18 lead.

Kennedy will take on rival Cypress on Friday at 7 p.m. at Western High. Cypress is coming off a bye.

It will be the league opener for the Centurions, who come into the game with a 3-1 record. Kennedy is 3-1 and 1-0 in league play.