Experience and size were more important than quickness Friday night as the Kenston Forest School varsity football team opened the 2017 season with a 51-6 home loss to archrival Brunswick Academy.

This year’s Kavaliers squad is young, inexperienced and quick. Brunswick, on the other hand, is quite experienced and much bigger.

The Vikings’ offense controlled the game, which led to them grinding out touchdown after touchdown.

The Kavaliers’ offense was at the opposite end of the spectrum, struggling mightily to produce forward progress. Kenston Forest did not record a first down before halftime.

The one bright spot for the Kavaliers occurred on the last play of the third quarter.  Jah’Tavious Houston, a sophomore running back, took a direct snap, sprinted around the left end of the offensive line, avoided two defenders and raced 64 yards to the Vikings one-yard line. Two plays later, Houston scored Kenston Forest’s only points of the ballgame.

Brunswick blocked junior Zach Dunnavant’s extra point attempt.

Offensively, Houston led the Kavaliers with nine carries for 92 yards and the lone touchdown.

On defense, Houston recorded nine tackles and also had a pass defended. Junior Ja’Von Carter contributed nine tackles.

The Kavs (0-1) will not have to wait long for their chance to avenge their loss to the Vikings as the two teams are set to meet again Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. Brunswick will play host in that contest.

Returning to action Saturday, Kenston Forest faces host Grace Christian School at 3:30 p.m.

The highlight of Friday’s game for many fans at Larry Clary Field was the dedication of the press box tower in memory of Glenn E. Hart who passed away in 2014.

Hart was a longtime supporter of Kenston Forest School athletics and a close friend of longtime Kenston Forest athletic director Larry Clary.

Being a sports lover, Hart also received the honor of being inducted into the United States Specialty Sports Association Hall of Fame as a softball umpire.

Hart, a loving husband and father and a beloved member of the Kenston Forest family, is remembered for having devoted decades of loyal and tireless service that immeasurably enriched the school.

Friday’s dedication ceremony included touching vignettes and stories provided by John Mahaney.