KQ2 Pigskin Preview: Penney looking for improvement in year two under Keith Alberti

HAMILTON, Mo. (KQTV) -- The Penney Hornets football team is entering year two under Head Coach Keith Alberti and are looking to improve from a 4-7 record in 2025.

Coach Alberti learned what it was like to be a head coach last season. He is now taking those lessons he learned and applying them to 2026.

"I'm really excited to have the opportunity to lead this group again," said Alberti. "A lot of growing last year. It was my first time stepping into a head coaching role. Really changing up a few things here and there for myself."

Alberti isn't the only one entering year number two for the Penney Hornets. Sophomore quarterback Hudson Creekmore is now in his second year starting and has focused on improving his game during the offseason.

"I've been up here at the field a lot," said Creekmore. "I've been putting in work, throwing routes and stuff like that. We have been getting the offense dialed in too."

Penney is looking to leave 2025 in the past. Senior Korben Sanderson likes the look of this team as he enters his final year as a Hornet.

"We have a pretty solid group up front," said Sanderson. "I think as long as we all work together and keep everything moving along, we'll be pretty good."

The Hornets in week one will face Lafayette County, a team they beat last year, 28-27. Coach Alberti is very familiar with this program and looks forward to seeing them again.

"I was an assistant in Lafayette County for 14 years before I came here," said Alberti. "It's a good little family reunion for me, week one."

The rematch against Lafayette County will be on Friday, Aug. 28, at Penney High School.