Quincy High School

The Quincy Orioles traveled to Homer Friday night for the Trojans’ Homecoming game, renewing an old Big 8 Conference rivalry for the first time since Homer left the conference for the Cascades Conference following the 2021 season. Quincy spoiled the Homecoming celebration with a dominant 68-16 victory, turning in one of the most prolific offensive performances in school history. The Orioles set a new school record for points scored in a half, putting 54 points on the board before halftime. Noah Kelley led the offensive effort with a record-setting night, finding the end zone eight times while rushing for 195 yards on 16 carries, an average of 12.2 yards per carry. His eight touchdowns broke a Quincy single-game record while also landing him second all time in MHSAA history, while his 48 points set school records for points scored in a single game and points scored in a career. Kelley also pushed his season touchdown total to 23 through five games, breaking Quincy’s previous record for touchdowns in a single season. Quarterback Joe Gray efficiently directed the passing attack, completing 11 of 13 passes for 235 yards and a touchdown. JJ Wright hauled in four passes for 129 yards and a touchdown, while Noah Rufenacht added four receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown. The Quincy defense also turned in a strong performance, creating six turnovers. Wright, Kaden Cutler, Andrew Dunn and Gray each recorded an interception, while Xander Wood and Rylen Dickey recovered Homer fumbles. Gibson James led the Orioles with 11 tackles, followed by Dunn with nine and Carson Haylett with seven. Tayte Waddell added a sack and a tackle for loss, while Dickey recorded a tackle for loss. The 68-point performance marked a memorable return to the Quincy-Homer rivalry, with the Orioles earning a decisive victory while setting multiple school records along the way. The Orioles return home for their own Homecoming vs Sacred Heart Academy in what will be the first matchup between the two opponents this upcoming Friday night with a homecoming parade starting at 5:30pm near Jennings Elementary.