DV football notebook: Kennard has no bone damage after injuring knee

Desert Vista senior lineman Devon Kennard underwent an X-ray on his right knee on Saturday which revealed no damage, his older brother, Derek, said.

Derek said Devon is still expected to have an MRI on his knee to determined if there is ligament damage, which hadn't been performed as of 2 p.m. Derek said he didn't know when Devon would undergo the MRI, which Thunder coach Dan Hinds said Friday night was likely to happen Saturday.

Devon was injured in the closing minute of the fourth quarter in Friday night's 21-20 victory against Chandler. He was tackled from behind which caused his right knee to bend awkwardly. He limped with an ice pack on his knee after the game.

A two-way starter and all-state defensive end, Kennard had 2 1/2 sacks and rushed for 53 yards and a touchdown in Friday's victory, and any extended absence by Kennard (24 1/2 sacks last season) would be devastating for the Thunder.

Washington returns, but DV run game ineffective early

Friday night marked the full debut of senior running back Marcus Washington, who missed the entire summer and first game against Gilbert following offseason leg surgery.

Washington carried the ball four times for 51 yards in a win over Mesa two weeks ago, but was shut down for the second half.

Against Chandler, he struggled early, carrying the ball six times for -8 yards at the half.

In the second half, however, Washington's first carry went for 13 yards and also had a 7-yard run. He finished with 12 yards on the game.

The Thunder's run game didn't really pick up until midway through the third quarter - after establishing the air attack - when Kennard had a 19-yard touchdown.

The effects of the quarterback change

The day following DV's season-opening loss to Gilbert, Thunder quarterback Cole Pembroke approached Hinds and presented the idea that junior Cody Sokol should start.

Pembroke had been starting both ways, and also splitting snaps with Sokol on offense.

Friday night, the decision played out perfectly.

Pembroke had a clutch interception which led to a DV score, and also had six tackles.

Sokol, meanwhile, completed 10-of-18 passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns against two interceptions.

QuickHits

Safety Jake van Raaphorst, who missed last week's win with a concussion, made his impact felt against the Wolves. He had six tackles (five solo) and an interception, his second of the season ... Former Thunder defensive back Pat Johnson was in attendance. He had been all set to attend Division II Fort Hays State in Kansas, but is now attending ASU and said he will now walk on with the Sun Devils next season.