Kennedy’s McCarter Brothers Sparkle in Crucial Win Against Ag. Science

Crusaders Take Control of White Southwest Conference

Kennedy coach Roberto Albano struggled to hold back tears after his team beat Ag. Science 17-8 at Gately Stadium on Thursday.

The McCarter Brothers Shine

The McCarter brothers were the stars for Kennedy (5-1, 3-0). Kavarion had two key interceptions, one in the first quarter and one in the fourth to seal the victory.

“I was ready for [the second interception],” McCarter said. “I was mad because I had messed up a bit on the last play. So as soon as he threw it, I ran. I knew I had to get that pick.”

Kamarion McCarter, a senior, accounted for both of Kennedy’s touchdowns. He scored on an eight-yard run in the first quarter to put the Crusaders ahead 10-0, then on a 22-yard run in the third quarter to increase the lead to 17-0.

“I had to put my team on my back, as always,” Kamarion McCarter said. “It’s family out here. When I see my brother doing great, it motivates me to do great.”

Ag. Science’s Struggles

Ag. Science (4-2, 2-1) closed the deficit to nine points on a 24-yard run by Maurice Bush with 8:75 left. But McCarter and Armando Pena picked off passes on the Cyclones’ last two possessions.

Crusaders’ Road to State Playoffs

The road to qualification for the state playoffs out of the Public League White is murky. There isn’t any info on the Illinois High School Association website outlining the process. The White North and White South teams will qualify through the same process as any other conference in the state. In the White Northwest, White South Central and White Southwest, the conference championship winner qualifies for state.

There might also be a spot for one of the second-place teams in those three conferences.

Coach’s Perspective

“[This win] is massive,” Albano said. “We’re here. We’ve landed on the map. It’s easy when you have a team like this. I’ve never heard no from these kids.”

Player Quotes

“This is amazing,” Kennedy sophomore Kavarion McCarter said. “We are going to be remembered in history as one of the best. . . no, we are going to be the best Kennedy football team.”

“[The McCarter brothers] are huge,” Albano said. “They’ve worked together. They’ve worked hard all year and done everything we’ve asked. Played through little nicks and injuries. They manned up for this game.”

Conclusion

Kennedy’s win against Ag. Science gives them the inside track on the White Southwest conference championship, which means a spot in the state playoffs. The Crusaders have qualified for the state playoffs only once in school history, in 2021.

FAQs

Q: How did the McCarter brothers perform in the game?

A: Kavarion had two key interceptions, and Kamarion accounted for both of Kennedy’s touchdowns.

Q: What is the road to qualification for the state playoffs out of the Public League White?

A: The process is unclear, but the White North and White South teams will qualify through the same process as any other conference in the state. In the White Northwest, White South Central and White Southwest, the conference championship winner qualifies for state.

Q: Can Ag. Science still qualify for the state playoffs?

A: Yes, Ag. Science can still qualify for the state playoffs if they win the second-place game in their conference.

Kennedy coach Robert Albano looks on during the game against Ag. Science.

Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times