Marion is county's lone unbeated tean

By NICHOLAS KIMBALL
and DELBERT PETERS

Staff writers

Marion, the last unbeaten team in the county, extend its season winning streak to three games Friday, beating Trinity, 28-21, in closely contested battle Friday night in Hutchinson.

“I was very pleased with the overall effort of the guys Friday.,” coach Shaun Craft said.

“We knew going in Hutch Trinity would play us tough,. They always do. I believe over the last 6 to 7 years every game except one has been decided by a touchdown or less.”

This game was no different. Marion only won by a touchdown and scored all 28 of its points in the second quarter. The game came down to defense holding the line.

Lane Smith had three tackles, two assists, one pass breakup, and two tackles that resulted in a loss.

Kellen Waner snagged an interception that prevented Trinity from gaining any momentum.

Brian Nguyen had six tackles, two assists, one forced fumble, and 1½ quarterback sacks.

“We had some guys step-up big and filled Cole Smith’s position due to him going in for an emergency appendectomy on Thursday,” Craft said. “The guys didn’t panic with having to make changes on the OL and DL the day before a game. It was just next man up. Jackson Bitonti was a huge part of that.”

Marion (3-0) will continue their road campaign Friday in Remington against the Broncos (0-3).

Peabody-Burns

Peabody-Burns scored its first victory of the season, 53-31. on the road Friday in Burrton.

“It was a good boost of confidence for the boys,” coach Eric Dutton said. “They played very well as a team and continue to grow week after week.”

Offense accumulated 363 yards with six touchdowns.

Defense recorded three sacks and an interception that turned into a touchdown.

“We have a very tough game to prep for this coming Friday,” Dutton said. “The boys will have their work cut out for them. It should be another very touch and physical game.”

The Warriors (1-2) will have their homecoming game against Pawnee Heights (2-1).

Hillsboro

The Trojans lost their first road game of the season Friday, falling 31-27 to the Swathers in Hesston.

“Though the scoreboard didn’t favor us on Friday night, our team’s relentless effort and unwavering fight made us proud,” coach Demetrius Cox said.

The Trojans kicked off the game with a 68-yard passing touchdown from quarterback Dawson Boldt to tight end Zander Haslett.

“The coaching staff’s dedication and the support from our fans mean the world,” Cox said. “Playing on wet grass was an adjustment, but it’s part of the game.”

Hesston led 28-7 in the third quarter, but Hillsboro showed no quit, clawing its way back into the game heading into the final quarter.

Down 31-21 in the fourth, the Trojans would score one last time on a 57-yard pass.

“As we prepare to face Ellsworth at home, we have to clean up our mistakes and come back even stronger,” Cox said. “We’re in this together, and our best moments are yet to come.”

Hillsboro (2-1) will be home Friday to play Ellsworth (3-0).

Goessel

On the first play from scrimmage, Chase County sprinted 60 yards for its first score.

Goessel couldn’t advance the ball and turned over possession with an unsuccessful fourth down attempt.

Chase County scored three more times in the first quarter, but the Bluebirds prevented extra points on each attempt. The Bulldogs led 26-0 at the end of the first period.

The Bluebird defense allowed two touchdowns in the second quarter. After half, the Bluebirds turned the ball over to the Bulldogs on downs, and Chase County marched down the field to scored the final touchdown with 5:45 to play in the third quarter. The Bulldogs won, 48-0.

Goessel, now 0-3, will play Herington (2-1) at Goessel on Friday. It will be the first game in district play for both teams.

Centre

Centre dominated in their first road game of the season Friday in Altoona-Midway, beating the Jets. 51-32.

The Cougars’ (2-1) will be back home this Friday to play Waverly (3-0).