The Kirksville Tigers relied on their strong defense to win a tough, physical game over Savannah Friday 7-6. Special teams played a big role, too. Savannah missed the extra point on their only PAT attempt of the night, while Beckett Lyons made his to remain perfect on PAT’s this season. The biggest special teams play came on a blocked 29 yard field goal attempt by Savannah late in the fourth quarter. Cole Kelly and Blake Nesbitt combined for the block to keep KHS in front. On Kirksville’s ensuing possession, Carter Pinkerton caught a long pass down the right sideline into Savannah terrirory to give the Tigers a fresh set of downs and KHS would run out the clock to preserve the win. Savannah scored first after Kirksville turned the ball over at their own 20. A one yard touchdown run would put Kirksville behind for the first time all season. On the Tigers next possession, Jace Kent broke open a long 58 yard touchdown run with 5:26 to play to tie the game at 6-6. Lyons made his kick to give Kirksville the lead. Then defense would dominate the rest of the game for both teams. Corbin Denslow made 14 tackles to lead KHS. Blake Nesbitt had 11. Kent carried the ball 12 times for 140 yards. Ryder Lyons threw 10 for 13 for 66 yards. Kirksville gets to 3-0 on the season and will travel to Moberly next week. Moberly dropped their third straight to start the season 35-14 to Warrensburg.