Football Kickoff: Summit at Kirkwood in Suburban South Battle

It’s opening night, part II this Friday at 7 p.m. when the Rockwood Summit Falcons visit “The Wood” Memorial Stadium at Kirkwood High for a Suburban South conference clash right out of the season gates. The Falcons will be out for revenge after taking a 34-14 thumping at home by the Pioneers for last year’s opening night.

Kirkwood went on to a 9-4 record for head coach Matt Irvin’s first season, finally finishing in the state quarterfinals with a loss to Webster Groves. The Pioneer offense remains centered around stud quarterback B.J. Buckner, who enters his senior season after throwing for 1,535 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2010. Nine of those touchdowns found the hands of senior receiver Mike McHugh, who also returns.

Summit also earned a berth in the state playoffs, ending 2010 with a 6-5 record, the first above .500 in four seasons. Though the Falcons’ offense returns eight starters for 2011, it will be without star quarterback Myles Robinson, who graduated after leading the Suburban South with 1,857 yards and 24 touchdowns. Senior Tyler Karst takes the helm in 2011, looking to make a quick rapport with senior wideout Joey Schenk against a Pioneer defense that returns only two starters.