After sleepwalking through the first half that ended with a 26-0 deficit, Kingwood came out inspired in the second half but fell short in its comeback against Morgan Academy 33-12.

Kingwood took the opening kickoff and was able to get a first down after drawing Morgan offsides on second and short. From there through the first half, it was all Morgan Academy.

The Senators used a power running game to build up a 20-0 lead to end the first quarter. Kingwood was able to step up the pressure on defense in the second quarter, holding Morgan to a touchdown to enter the half down 26-0.

Kingwood got some big momentum to start the second half when they recovered an onside kick for the second week in a row. Three plays later on 3rd and 18, Daniel Reeves hooked up with David Fillingim for a 46-yard strike to get Kingwood on the board.

On Kingwood’s next possession, Daniel Reeves hooked up with Dakota Guillot for a 32-yard touchdown pass to give Kingwood more confidence they need on offense.

“We came out in the second half and knew what we had to,” Reeves said. “I think we got it done on defense in the second half only giving up one touchdown.”

The Kingwood defense stepped up the intensity and brought pressure to shut down the Morgan offense. Tyrone Pope and Austin Boothe led the Kingwood defense with eight and six tackles each.

Boothe credited the defense with playing as a team to shut down Morgan in the fourth quarter.

The Senators (1-1) host Marengo Academy next week.