3 homecomings yield only 1 victory
Staff writers
Only one county team out of three was able to defend its home turf for homecoming Friday night.
Hillsboro
The Trojans made sure there was no confusion after halftime about who was going to win Friday night’s homecoming game, beating Halstead, 27-0.
Scoring didn’t take place until the third quarter when Hillsboro racked up 21 points with three touchdowns.
In the fourth, Nash Dickinson returned an interception for the team’s fourth touchdown.
“Our team showcased exceptional offensive and defensive play against Halstead on homecoming night, making us all proud,” coach Demetrius Cox said. “A heartfelt thank you to our community for their unwavering support and to our student body for their loud and spirited cheering.
“Special gratitude goes to the assistant coaches for their strategic game plan, which contributed to a memorable night for all.”
The Trojans (2-2) will be on the road Friday to play Ellsworth (4-0).
“We have a significant test against an undefeated Ellsworth team playing great football. To secure a victory on their homecoming night, both players and coaching staff will need to improve by one percent this week.”
Peabody-Burns
The Warriors came back from their bye week with a vengeance Friday, beating Pawnee Heights, 58-20.
The team finished with 237 passing yards and 190 rushing yards.
Quarterback Aiden Hurst was 10 for 16, throwing for three touchdowns and finishing with a combined total of 220 yards.
Jameson Miles finished with six catches and three carries for a total of 151 yards and four touchdowns.
Cade Gossen had six carries for 41 yards and two touchdowns. Chris Spencer and Max Tuner also finished with a touchdown each.
“We started to play relaxed in the second quarter due to many reasons, but they overcame the adversity and played well as a team,” coach Eric Dutton said. “We still have so much to work and improve on going into the first district game of the season.”
Peabody-Burns (2-1) will celebrate homecoming Friday night, playing host to Marais des Cygnes Valley (4-0).
“This week will not be an easy game, and we have a lot to work on leading into this week of distractions,” Dutton said. “As a high school athlete, homecoming is a fun week, but as a coach it has quickly becoming my least favorite with the lack of focus on the game and all the distractions that are part of the homecoming days.”
Marion
Marion had its homecoming spoiled for the second year in a row by rival Sedgwick, losing 35-8.
The Warriors’ lone touchdown came in the fourth quarter when Carson Krause found Lane Smith in the end zone for eight yards.
Lander Smith caught a pass for a two-point conversion to bring the score to eight.
“We had opportunities early in the game that could have changed the momentum, but we just shot ourselves in the foot to many times, and against a good team you just can’t do that,” coach Shaun Craft said. “We will work on getting things fixed this week in practice so we can get back on track and still earn that home game Week 9.”
The Warriors (3-1) will hit the road Friday to face off against Inman (3-1).
Centre
The Cougars had to endure a lopsided homecoming against Burlingame, eventually losing 68-0.
“We know this season so far has been challenging, and the results aren’t what we had hoped for,” coach Thieen Antoszyk said. “But we’re committed to staying focused, working hard, and improving each week.
“Our players are giving their best effort, and as a coaching staff, we’re analyzing what needs to change to put us in a better position to succeed.
“We’re all in this together, and we’ll keep pushing forward, no matter the adversity.”
Centre (0-4) will be on the road Friday against Rural Vista (3-1).
Goessel
The Goessel boys were out-played in Friday’s district game, losing 58-0.
Little River dominated the first two quarters, and the game ended at halftime.
The Bluebirds are 1-3 overall and 0-1 in district games.
Goessel will be home Friday against Claflin Central Plains (3-1) on Friday in another district matchup.