Kenwood QB Kenyonte Louis sparkles and the Broncos’ defense dominates to end Payton’s undefeated run

Payton had no answer for Kenwood quarterback Kenyonte Louis on Saturday at Lane Stadium.

The senior rushed for three touchdowns and threw two touchdown passes as the Broncos cruised to a 39-7 win to end the Grizzlies’ six-game winning streak.

Last week, Louis became the first Kenwood quarterback to throw five TD passes in a game. He’s the best quarterback in the Public League and has an offer from Kent State. But he’s still flying under the radar in the area.

“I knew this was coming,” Broncos coach Chris Goffer said. “He has a lot of built up energy after having to sit out a year. He cares about his teammates and he cares about this game. He’s passionate about executing.”

Louis sat out last year after transferring from De La Salle. He started at quarterback for the Meteors his freshman and sophomore years under Goffer. While Goffer could coach right away after taking the Kenwood job last season, Louis had to sit out.

“I really missed out not playing last year,” Louis said. “This is my last ride, and I need to make everything count. I’m trying to get to the next level.”

Louis was 18-for-30 with two interceptions.

“I’ll take accountability for the interceptions,” Louis said. “But what the defense did after that last interception was awesome to watch. Payton was on the goal line and could have scored, but the defense got the stop. That’s always a big moment.”

Kenwood’s defense had several big moments. Senior linebacker Kameron Love provided the most spectacular, with a crushing sack of Payton quarterback Thomas Fitchett. Defensive lineman Dameon Norman snatched up Fitchett’s fumble and ran 20 yards to set Louis’ third rushing TD.

“On that play he just let me off the block,” Love said. “That was an easy one. I just had to go.”

Payton (6-1, 4-1 Public Metro) was held to -5 rushing yards on 11 attempts.

“We just watched film and we were ready for them,” Love said. “There was a lot of talking on social media so we definitely wanted to make a statement.”

Senior linebacker Jayvon Anderson contributed a sack for the Broncos (6-1, 5-0), and senior Nicholas Segura grabbed an interception.

“We like to score points, but if we are going to win big games the defense has to be good,” Goffer said.

Payton scored late in the third quarter on a one-yard run by Samuel Merrill. Grizzlies quarterback Thomas Fitchett was 9-for-19 for 88 yards with one interception.

“We have a lot of respect for Kenwood,” Payton coach Calvin Clark said. “I learned a lot today. We will go back to the drawing board and get our guys prepared. The run is not over. We will be back. Hopefully, we will see them in a couple weeks in the playoffs.”

Louis is still developing his rapport with his receivers. It’s a very talented group. Lawrence Carr had four catches for 74 yards and one TD. Kingston Watson had six receptions for 97 yards and a TD and Drake Harris added six catches for 68 yards.

“I trust all of them,” Louis said. “We are connecting more each week. We have all the athletes we need to make it far this season.”