If you’ve managed to take in some hoops at Kingston’s Multi-Purpose Facility. You no doubt left impressed.

The Class 2A school hasn’t stopped there. The district turned it’s attention to the football stadium and have added artificial turf and several improvements to the facility.

“The total cost was around a million dollars, ” Kingston Superintendent Brian Brister said. “We are excited about it. Our football players, band members, cheer and other groups are going to really benefit from it.”

Along with the turf, the upgrades include a new weight room, a turf agility room and a second scoreboard to match the original one. In addition, a new section of seating was added for the band and students.

Clock was ticking to get the work done

It was a race to finish to get the stadium ready for the Redskins week zero showdown against Madill in “The Marshall County Super Bowl.”

“Our admin team was working until 2AM all week long,” Kingston Head Football Coach Brad Hill said.”I’m talking about our superintendent, athletic director, high school and junior high principal and school board members out there putting the stands together on the band seating. So, that it would be ready for game.”

Hill said the turf was completed the day before the game at 2:30pm. So, the team was able to get one practice on the field before the first game.

“It’s a really awesome stadium. We’ve got some of the best facilities in our class or anywhere. Bar none.”

Redskins and Wildcats didn’t disappoint

The game lived up to its Super Bowl billing with the Redskins slipping by the Wildcats 35-34 in double overtime.After matching scores in the first overtime, Madill went up 34-28 in the second OT. However, a bad, snap resulted in a failed conversion. That left the door open for Redskins to win it. A pair of sophomores combined to end it. Quarterback Reid Patterson scored from two yards out and then Jamie Lewis booted the game-winning PAT.

” The turf looks good and plays good. “Hill said. “The kids were excited  and we had a huge crowd. Both sides showed up.”

The Redskins lost at highly rated Idabel in week one and will return home Friday night to meet Hugo.

jim.reagan@vype.com