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First-year Kennedy head coach Randolph Warren could barely watch.

What his eyes scarcely saw was Bethesda-Chevy Chase kicker Casey Shamma leaving a potential game-winning 30-yard field goal just short, clinching a 22-20 Cavaliers (1-4) victory, their first of the season.

"Everything stopped," said Warren. "It was silent and the ref signaled no good and we celebrated."

The Cavalier defense was the story of the afternoon, as they forced seven Barons (0-5) turnovers.

In the second quarter, senior defensive tackle Aaron Butler sacked B-CC quarterback Jake Boross, forcing a fumble which he returned 55 yards. It set up a 4-yard touchdown run by running back Kenny Godfrey, and gave Kennedy a 6-0 lead.

Later in the quarter, running back Beze Ezekoye scored on a 7-yard run, and the ensuing 2-point conversion extended the lead to 14-0. But the Barons would respond to tie the game, 14-14, after a 38-yard flea flicker to Kerrance James and a 5-yard pass from Boross to Gus Vita.

The Cavaliers' Sharadi Mudimbi answered by returning the ensuing kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown, with a two-point conversion giving them a 22-14 halftime lead. B-CC would add another touchdown in the third quarter after Gibb Jenkins' 40-yard interception return, but their missed 2-point conversion proved decisive.

With the Barons driving in Cavalier territory in the fourth quarter, Kennedy linebacker Chibueze Okoji — who also caught three passes for 52 yards — intercepted a Boross pass that stopped a potential go-ahead score.

"It feels very good," said Warren. "It's great for the kids and the homecoming game. We moved the ball on offense, played field position and it was a total team effort."

B-CC hosts Clarksburg (5-0) this Friday, while Kennedy hosts Watkins Mill (2-3).