Kirtland celebrates homecoming with 50-0 win over Shiprock

• Broncos coach Greg Jenks said his team was eager to redeem itself after a loss last week.
• KC scored on three touchdown passes during the second quarter alone.
• Kirtland is home to face Aztec next week, while Shiprock is at Crownpoint.

KIRTLAND — For the second year in a row, the Kirtland football team got the best of its rival, defeating Shiprock 50-0 tonight at Bronco Stadium in its homecoming.

"We were ready to get the taste out of our mouth after last week," Greg Jenks, the Broncos' coach, said, referring to his team's 26-8 loss to Monticello, Utah.

This week, the KC defense was hungry and on the attack, Jenks said.

The Broncos quickly took the lead when a bad snap by the Chieftains flew through the back of the end zone to give the hosts a 2-0 lead.

Three of KC's touchdowns were scored during the second quarter, all of them coming through the air. Quarterback Bryson Dowdy hooked up with receiver Brock Beckstead for 40- and 20-yard scoring plays, while Cochise Sorrelhorse reeled in a 38-yard reception. Beckstead also converted a two-point conversion attempt during the second quarter.

In the final quarter, Tyler Jenks broke through Chieftain defenders during a 37-yard run to score a touchdown.

While his Chieftains came out on the short end of a lopsided score, Shiprock coach Eric Stovall said the team is looking forward to the rest of its season.

"We have a lot of football left," he said.

Stovall said the loss to the Broncos shows that the Chieftains can play hard in the face of adversity.

"They play with a lot of heart, and they play together," Stovall said.

Shiprock (4-2) will go on the road next week to face Crownpoint next week. Kirtland (4-1) is back home to play Aztec at Bronco Stadium. 

Hannah Grover covers government for The Daily Times. She can be reached at 505-564-4652.