Late Lopez Field Goal Sends Westran Past Putnam County

The leg of Guillermo Lopez pushed the Westran Hornets to a 13-12 win over the Putnam County Midgets Friday night in Huntsville. A nine-yard touchdown run by Tristen Hendee gave the Midgets a 12-10 lead late in the third quarter. Lopez, who had hit a 34-yard field goal late in the first half, missed a 40-yarder with 3:23 remaining in regulation. However, the Hornet defense forced a three-and-out and the offense quickly moved into field goal range to give Lopez one final chance.

Colin Schowe with the call on Superstation KRES and centralmoinfo.com. Lopez had missed his only prior field goal attempt this season. Putnam County then got one final chance from the Westran 46.

The interception was Brody Kallmeyer’s second of the season and the first since a thumb injury earlier in the season forced him to wear a cast on his right arm. Westran coach Andrew Baxley credited his players for coming up with big plays down the stretch.

Quarterback Marshall Kitchen went a perfect 5-5 passing on the final drive and finished the game 10-15 for 108 yards. He added 59 yards on 16 carries. Baxley said Kitchen is continuing to grow into the quarterback position.

The seventh-seeded Midgets gave the second-seeded Hornets all they could handle throughout the game. Putnam County responded to an early touchdown pass by Kitchen with one of their own from Trace Riediger to Riley Ayers. Putnam County coach Adam Huse said a heavier pass attack was part of their game plan.

Riediger finished the game 5-9 passing for 85 yards. The Midgets ran for 100 yards as a team. Putnam County graduates 13 seniors from this year’s team. Huse reflected on this year’s group of players.

The Midgets conclude the season at 2-8. Westran improves to 8-2 and will host third-seeded Penney next week. You can hear full postgame interviews with both coaches online at centralmoinfo.com.

Westran coach Andrew Baxley

Putnam County coach Adam Huse