The Kevin Adler era at Henryetta High School kicked off in dramatic fashion Friday night as the Knights stormed back from a 20-point first-quarter deficit to defeat the Kellyville Ponies 54-35 in their season opener on Aug. 29.
— Rough Start, Resilient Response Kellyville stunned Henryetta early, scoring three quick touchdowns in the first quarter. Quarterback Asher Thornbrue connected twice with Juan Martinez on long passes of 50 and 35 yards, before Wyatt Briggs added a 7-yard touchdown run. By the end of the first quarter, Henryetta trailed 20-0.
The Knights responded with explosive second- quarter plays. Running back Mekko McNac broke through with a 7-yard touchdown run to put Henryetta on the board. Soon after, quarterback Nakona Johnson connected with wide receiver Nathan Nail for a 72-yard scoring strike. Kellyville countered with Thornbrue’s short touchdown run and Martinez’s third TD reception, but Henryetta answered back each time.
Johnson and Nail hooked up again on passes of 95 and 24 yards, giving Henryetta a surge of momentum before halftime. By the break, the Knights trailed 35-24 but had seized control of the game’s pace.
— Second-Half Surge Coach Adler’s squad dominated after intermission, holding Kellyville scoreless the rest of the way. Johnson showcased his dual-threat ability, breaking off runs of 63 and 51 yards for third-quarter touchdowns. In the fourth, Will Perez muscled in from two yards out before Johnson capped the night with a 36-yard dash, sealing the 54-35 victory.
Henryetta outscored Kellyville 5415 over the final three quarters, a testament to both offensive firepower and defensive adjustments.
— Offensive Fireworks
The Knights’ attack was nothing short of electric, producing 509 yards of total offense compared to Kellyville’s 299. Johnson led the way with 317 passing yards and 159 rushing yards, accounting for six total touchdowns. His favorite target, Nail, hauled in five catches for 265 yards and three scores, averaging a staggering 53 yards per reception.
Perez added 22 yards rushing and a touchdown, while McNac contributed a score on his lone carry. Blaze Hill made his presence felt on special teams with 87 yards on three kickoff returns.
— Defensive Adjustments & Discipline Issues
After surrendering 35 points in the first half, Henryetta’s defense tightened, forcing Kellyville into mistakes and keeping them off the scoreboard in the second half. Still, penalties and fumbles remain areas of concern. The Knights committed 10 penalties for 94 yards and lost four of their seven fumbles.
— Coach Adler’s Debut Statement For Coach Kevin Adler, the comeback win was the perfect introduction to Henryetta football. His team showed grit, resilience, and the ability to execute big plays under pressure. While the Knights will look to clean up turnovers and penalties, the opening- night fireworks suggest Adler’s offense can score with anyone. — Henryetta 54, Kellyville 35 Team Totals
• First Downs: Henryetta 15, Kellyville 17
• Rushing Yards: Henryetta 192, Kellyville 94
• Passing Yards: Henryetta 317, Kellyville 205 • Total Offense: Henryetta 509, Kellyville 299 • Turnovers: Henryetta 4 lost fumbles, 1 interception; Kellyville 1 interception
• Penalties: Henryetta 10 for 94 yards; Kellyville 17 for 127 yards — Henryetta Leaders
• Passing: Nakona Johnson – 11/16, 317 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
• Rushing: Johnson – 12 carries, 159 yards, 3 TD; Perez – 6 carries, 22 yards, 1 TD; McNac – 1 carry, 7 yards, 1 TD
• Receiving: Nail – 5 receptions, 265 yards, 3 TD; Williams – 3 receptions, 27 yards; Hill – 1 reception, 19 yards — Kellyville Leaders
• Passing: Thornbrue – 12/33, 205 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
• Rushing: Anderson – 28 carries, 59 yards; Briggs – 9 carries, 30 yards, 1 TD; Thornbrue – 5 carries, 8 yards, 1 TD
• Receiving: Martinez – 8 receptions, 167 yards, 3 TD; Briggs – 3 receptions, 26 yards, 1 TD
