LYNN ― They say that getting off to a fast start is the key to victory, and no squad took that to heart more than the KIPP football team. After a stellar first half that saw the Panthers score 40 unanswered points, KIPP rolled to a season-opening 40-6 victory over Keefe Tech Saturday evening at Manning Field.
“We just came out with great intensity, and that’s the big thing for us,” said KIPP coach Jim Rabbitt. “We built on that energy and never looked back, and I’m really proud of the guys for the way they came out and played (Saturday).”
Quarterback Juan Setalsingh orchestrated the offense up and down the field all night long, throwing three touchdown passes in the victory. Running back Vic Mafo had a huge night, totaling 104 yards from scrimmage and scoring a rushing, a receiving and a punt-return touchdown. Piero Canales rushed for two touchdowns in the win, while Jaythean Im had one touchdown reception.
It’s hard to get off to any faster of a start than the Panthers did Saturday, as Mafo took a handoff on the first play from scrimmage and raced 55 yards for a touchdown. KIPP then forced a three-and-out on defense to get the ball back before Canales hit Im in the back of the end zone to make it 16-0.
After the Panthers’ defense forced another three-and-out, Mafo fielded the punt and took it 50 yards to the house for yet another KIPP score.
Canales added a 62-yard touchdown run shortly after that, then Mafo capped off the scoring with a 15-yard touchdown reception from Setalsingh to give the Panthers a 40-0 lead at the half.
Keefe Tech added a lone touchdown in the second half, but KIPP never saw its lead come under threat and coasted to the season-opening victory.
KIPP (1-0) returns to Manning Field Saturday morning (10) for a home bout with South Boston.
