Warriors remain unbeaten
Staff writers
Marion captured its fifth win in a row Friday, defeating Belle Plaine 55-26 for homecoming.
Jameson Looper scored the first two touchdowns of his varsity career while breaking 100 yards rushing for the first time this season.
Kadon Mercer caught his first varsity touchdown as well.
“Homecoming week is always a long week with everything going on, so it was good to perform well in front of a lot of alumni and get to a point in the game where we could get everyone on the field,” coach Shaun Craft said. “It was fun to see Looper and Mercer find the end zone.”
Homecoming king and quarterback Jack Lanning led the team with 187 yards rushing and three touchdowns.
Trevor Schafers rushed for 117 yards and two touchdowns.
The Warriors put up 48 points before Belle Plaine was able to score. The Warriors led 55-6 heading into the fourth quarter.
“I thought our varsity defense played really well, allowing very few positive yards before we began subbing in younger guys,” Craft said.
Marion (5-0) will be on the road Friday to play against Council Grove (4-1).
Hillsboro
The Trojans bounced back this week against Halstead, winning 30-25 on the road.
“The team displayed remarkable resilience and determination throughout the game, and I couldn’t be prouder of their performance,” coach Demetrius Cox said. “Success is not defined by how we handle victories, but by how we respond to setbacks.
“This win is a testament to our team’s ability to learn, adapt, and come back stronger. We’re taking it one game at a time, always striving for improvement,” Cox said.
Hillsboro (3-2) will be at home Friday against Southeast of Saline (5-0).
Peabody-Burns
The Peabody-Burns Warriors are on a three-game winning streak after destroying Southern Coffey County 47-0 on the road Friday.
“I am proud of how the boys have stepped up to the challenge at hand this season,” coach Eric Dutton said. “Having three to four freshman playing at all times, they have adjusted to high school football quickly and continue to improve daily.”
Freshman quarterback Aiden Hurst completed four of nine passes for a total of 190 yards and one touchdown. Hurst also rushed for 132 yards and two touchdowns.
Both Cade Gossen and Chris Spencer scored two touchdowns as well.
“My upperclass, Cade and Chris, have stepped up and done a phenomenal job at leading the freshman in the right direction and overall keeping a great attitude week after week,” Dutton said.
Freshman Jameson Miles ended with 81 receiving yards and one touchdown.
On defense, freshman Colin Groff lead the team with eight tackles.
“It’s going to definitely be tough this week with having a Thursday night game but we’ll continue to push during practice and treat it no differently than a Friday game,” Dutton said.
The Warriors (3-2) will be at home Thursday to play Altoona-Midway (0-5).
Goessel
Goessel was burdened with five penalties in the first quarter Friday at Solomon, and the host Gorillas got off to a quick start, scoring 36 points in the first half.
Goessel was only able to penetrate the end zone one time with Jake Flaming going 10 yards around the right side of the line. Solomon led 36-8 at halftime.
Wade Spurlin recovered a fumble in the third quarter, and the Bluebirds got inside the 10 yard line before turning the ball over on downs.
Goessel’s defense forced Solomon to punt, and Flaming returned the punt 50 yards, shaking off tacklers, making the score 36-16.
Noah Schrag found pay dirt in the fourth quarter with a one-yard plunge and Goessel trailed 36-24.
With just under three minutes to play, Goessel recovered an onside kick but was unable to advance the ball in four tries.
The Bluebirds had one more possession with just 39 seconds to play and could not get in the end zone. Solomon won by a final score of 36-24.
Goessel (0-5) will play Pretty Prairie (0-5) at home Friday.
Centre
On a bye last week, Centre (2-2) will be on the road Friday to play against Chetopa (4-1).