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Eisenhower's Steven Nadolski is tackled by Dakota's Eric Reese during a kick return in their MAC Red Division game at Swinehart Field.

• By Kevin Lozon

Dakota's Mark Tocco is tackled for a loss against Eisenhower.

• By Kevin Lozon

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It looks like Eisenhower’s Ian Kennelly is fitting into his new gig as Eagle QB quite well.

Kennelly, who started taking snaps in practice 10 days ago, had a night he’ll never forget Friday, rushing for 378 yards on 32 carries and scoring three touchdowns in Eisenhower’s 21-13 MAC Red Division football win over visiting Dakota.

“That’s unbelievable,” Eisenhower coach Chris Smith said. “That’s pretty good, right? He’s dangerous back there. Imagine what he’ll do in a couple more weeks. He’s only been playing quarterback for a week and a half. We’re excited about what he can be moving forward. He’s a dynamic player.”

Kennelly opened the scoring late in the first quarter when he broke free for a 41-yard score. On Eisenhower’s next possession early in the second quarter, he raced 68 yards for his second TD, increasing the Eagle lead to 14-0.

Dakota answered, though, as Cougar quarterback Mark Tocco scored on a 1-yard run. On their next possession, Jack Murray scored on a 2-yard run. The Cougars missed the second PAT, entering the half trailing 14-13.

“We didn’t block very well up front at all tonight,” Dakota coach Greg Baur said. “We had trouble with Eisenhower’s front, which is surprising to me. Bottom line is we can’t give up 300 yards rushing. We just have to tackle better.”

Kennelly completed his three-TD hat trick late in the third quarter, racing 66 yards to pay dirt.

“(Kennelly) played last week, and we knew he was going to start this week,” Baur said. “He’s a helluva player and they probably should have put him there sooner. A lot of teams are going to have trouble with him.”

From there it was the Eagle defense who secured the victory, completing one of their best efforts of the season, Smith said.

“It’s a high-powered offense over there at Dakota,” Smith said. “Mark Tocco is a great quarterback and we knew we had to contain him. They have a great running back and receiver, too, but if you don’t stop Tocco, you’re in a lot of trouble.”

Besides Kennelly, the Eagles also had Caleb Oyster finish with 48 yards on 10 carries. The win improved Eisenhower’s record to 5-3 overall, 3-2 league. The Eagles can secure a playoff berth with a MAC crossover win over Ford II next Friday night. Smith said he feels like the playoffs started four weeks ago.

“The playoff season started when we were 1-3 and we knew we had to win out,” Smith said. “You never know what’s going to happen and you can’t expect to get in at 5-4. We have one more game and we have to get focused for that game. This is a huge win. This is a great Dakota team and they’re getting better.”

Dakota was led by Tocco, who completed 5-of-15 passes for 79 yards. He also rushed for 25 yards. De’Javion Stepney led the Cougar ground attack with 62 yards on 16 carries. The loss dropped Dakota’s record to 6-2 overall, 3-2 league. The Cougars end the regular season next Friday with a MAC crossover contest against visiting L’Anse Creuse North.

“We have to play mad,” Baur said. “We have to get better, obviously. We have some players out now that we should get back soon. That will make a difference. We weren’t good enough tonight, and congrats to Eisenhower because they were.”