Kingston High School’s football team achieved a significant milestone on September 22, 2023, with a 23-13 victory over Beacon at Dietz Stadium. This non-league match marked the first win for first-year head coach Kirk Reinhardt, who received the game ball from former head coach Quintin Johnson in a moment of celebration.
Despite the spotlight on him, Reinhardt emphasized the importance of the win for his players and the community. “It’s important for the kids and the community,” he stated following the match. “The kids work hard. They had a good week of practice, so I’m really happy for them.” Kingston’s victory comes after a challenging start to the season, where they held a 1-2 record against Class A opponents.
Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead
The Tigers are set to open their Section 9 Class AA season against Pine Bush on September 26, 2023. Reinhardt acknowledged the challenges ahead, especially after his team overcame 160 yards in penalties during the game. “It was really important to win tonight,” he remarked. “If we had dropped this one, it would have been tough. The kids now know if you work hard it’s going to pay dividends.”
In a game that lasted nearly three hours, Kingston and Beacon combined for numerous penalties, with Kingston committing 13 penalties for 160 yards and Beacon 15 penalties for 137 yards. In contrast to last week’s loss to Beacon, where penalties played a critical role, Kingston managed to maintain their composure and ultimately outscored Beacon 16-6 in the second half.
After entering halftime tied at 7-7, Kingston took control of the game with a calculated 11-play, 65-yard drive, culminating in a 1-yard touchdown run by senior quarterback Jack Purvis. Kicker Jose Lemus-Martinez added the extra point, giving the Tigers a 14-7 lead with just over five minutes remaining in the third quarter.
Key Performers Shine in Victory
Junior running back Elijah Johnson was instrumental in the scoring drive, contributing 50 yards on seven carries. Purvis highlighted the importance of their experienced offensive line, stating, “When we have No. 6 (Johnson) running the ball as well as he does, we’re going to keep feeding him.” Johnson finished the game with 73 yards on 19 carries.
Kingston’s defense also made significant contributions, with junior Emmanuel Edwards pinning Beacon deep in their territory with a powerful punt early in the fourth quarter. This set the stage for a safety, increasing Kingston’s lead to 16-7 with just over ten minutes left in the game.
The Tigers continued to build their lead, with Purvis scoring another touchdown on a 2-yard run, making it 23-7 with less than five minutes remaining. Although Beacon managed a late touchdown to narrow the score to 23-13, junior safety Riley Corrigan secured the victory with an interception in the final moments.
Leading the receiving corps for Kingston was Cole Thorpe-MacArthur, who recorded five catches for 89 yards and scored the Tigers’ initial touchdown. Purvis completed 11 of 19 passes for 143 yards, adding one touchdown and one interception to his performance.
As Kingston prepares for the upcoming match against Pine Bush, the team’s resilience and ability to overcome adversity will be key in their pursuit of further success this season. Coach Reinhardt and his players are motivated and ready to face the next challenge, aiming to build on their first victory together.