Pattonville defeated Kirkwood 42-32 on Sept. 21. The Pioneers had a perfect 4-0 record and were ranked No. 3 for Class 6 teams before lining up against Pattonville.

Fans were treated to a spectacular Pirate (4-1) performance.

On the first play of the game, running back Sam Sanderson ran 75 yards for a touchdown. Kirkwood was quick to respond to tie the game up 6-6. The scoring continued to go back and forth until until Kirkwood forced a safety at the end of the 1st quarter to take a 15-13 lead.

The Pioneers scored a touchdown early in the 2nd quarter, but Pattonville answered, led by running back Sam Sanderson who scored two touchdowns and converted a 2-point conversion.

At halftime Pattonville had a 28-25 lead.

During the second half, Pattonville outscored Kirkwood 14-7 and killed the remaining time left in the game after stopping the Pioneers on a 4th-and-inches near the goal line with running plays and QB kneels.

Fans, coaches, and players alike were celebrating like crazy. However, defensive back Daylen Hawthorne said – in the style of LL Cool J – “Don’t call it an upset. We knew we would win.”

The team’s confidence outperformed media professionals’ predictions, who had left Pattonville unranked during Week 5.

Hawthorne attributed the team’s success to their running game.

“Kirkwood was big, but we are fast and determined.”

The results of Friday’s game made media professionals reconsider Pattonville who have been moved up to the No. 8 team in Class 6, while Kirkwood dropped down to No. 5.

If you missed last Friday’s game, Hawthorne said the homecoming game on Oct. 12 should be another great match-up.

“Ladue will be Kirkwood caliber,” he said. “That game should come down to a field goal.”

Nevertheless, that game is 3 weeks away.

First, Pattonville ventures to Fenton on Sept. 28 for their game against Rockwood Summit and then come home to face Marquette on Oct. 5. All games will kick off at 7 p.m.