The Kirksville Tigers made a winner out of coach Kevin Krietemeyer in his debut 35-25 over Macon Friday night in Macon. The Tigers overcame five turnovers to hold on, including a Macon pick six in the third quarter. The first half was all KHS, as the Tigers held Macon to a three and out on their first possession, then marched 55 yards in 12 plays to score the game’s first touchdown on a 7 yard run by quarterback Jaden Ballinger. Ballinger would score again with 3:35 in the first on a 26 yard run to make it 14-0. Macon cut it in half with a big 35 yard touchdown throw from Jacob Nelson to Chrisjen Riekeberg early in the second quarter. Kirksville would score the game’s next three touchdowns, highlighted by a 25 yard touchdown pass to Noah Copeland late in the second quarter. The Tigers led 35-7 late in the third before turnovers began to plague Kirksville. Macon would cut it to 35-25 with 5:21 to play in the fourth, but a huge stop by Owen Fraser on Macon’s two point try kept the lead at ten. Macon would never get another chance, as KHS picked up three big first downs and ran out the clock to preserve the 35-25 win. Ballinger finished with 150 yards passing with a touchdown, to go along with 160 rushing yards and four touchdowns. The Tigers racked up 450 yards of total offense. KHS is scheduled to play their home opener next Friday when Chillicothe comes to Spainhower Field.