BEDFORD — Lightning streaked across the sky all around Pennington field Thursday night during Euless Trinity’s rivalry game against Hurst L.D. Bell.
Even after a two-hour weather delay, the bright strikes lit up the sky to the south as the Trojans and Blue Raiders played on.But just as swiftly, Trinity running back Joel Kimpela flashed across the field.Led by Kimpela's 307 rushing yards and three touchdowns, the Trojans recovered from an 11-point deficit to defeat Bell 41-11.Bell (3-3, 1-2 District 6-5A) couldn’t keep up or slow Trinity (6-0, 4-0) in the second half.Kimpela – with 235 yards on 15 carries in the second half – picked up Trinity after the Trojans trailed at halftime for the first time all season.Bell had gained its lead with a field goal, a 36-yard TD pass from Kyle Romano to Denelra Dorsett, and a two-point conversion from Romano to Dorsett.The Trojans were reeling at the half. They had run just 28 plays, turned the ball over twice on interceptions, and were shut out in the first quarter for the first time this year.Then the weather interfered. Instead of coming out to warm up for the second half, both teams were forced to sit in their lockers rooms for two hours, waiting for severe lightning, strong winds, and a little rain to pass through.When the players did return -- the second half kicked off at 10:35 p.m. -- it was Trinity with all of the momentum.The Trojans marched down the field on the initial second-half possession, scoring on a one-yard run from QB Matt Hawkins. Kimpela ran the ball five straight times and picked up 63 yards on the drive, which started on the Trinity 27.After a Bell fumble, the Trinity line opened up another gaping hole for Kimpela, who raced 68 yards for another TD that gave Trinity a 19-11 lead with 5:56 left in the third.On the one-play drive, Kimpela ran right up the middle. When he reached the Bell 30-yard line, he was between two defenders. But instead of cutting either way, Kimpela simply accelerated and outran them to the goal line.Bell couldn’t regain any rhythm. On the next Bell drive, Trinity safety Iliau Moeakiola intercepted the ball, setting up another Kimpela breakaway score. This time, Kimpela ran 25 yards, after sidestepping defenders, to the endzone.Trinity scored 21 points in the third quarter and 14 in the fourth to win easily.Hawkins rushed for another TD and finished with 53 yards. While Trinity was effective on the ground with 464 rushing yards, the Trojans failed to complete a pass. Three QBs combined to throw 0-for-8 with two interceptions.Brent Shirley, 817-390-7760Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
