MARCELINE HEADED TO QUARTERFINALS AFTER NINTH STRAIGHT WIN
Marceline outlasted Sweet Springs 23-14 in the district championship Friday. The host Tigers scored on their second play from scrimmage.
Eric Duick on the call of Alex McCauslin’s 65-yard touchdown toss to fellow senior Cullen Bruner. Bruner added a 42-yard field goal late in the first quarter. Sweet Springs trimmed its deficit to 9-8 with a 13-yard touchdown pass with one second left in the first half, but Marceline controlled much of the second half. Tigers head coach Mark Ross analyzed the victory.
Marceline’s Wyatt Molloy extended the lead to 16-8 with an 11-yard run late in the third quarter, and Hunter Nelson delivered a nine-yard touchdown run in the middle of the fourth. Sweet Springs quarterback Hunter Sims rushed for an unofficial 133 yards, but Ross’ Tigers otherwise held a potent Greyhound ground game in check.
Sims connected with Wade Phillips for both Sweet Springs touchdowns. McCauslin recorded 115 yards on nine pass attempts. 11-1 Marceline earned a ninth straight win to set up a quarterfinal matchup at South Callaway. Ross complimented a Tiger team that starts eight sophomores on offense and seven on defense.
One of those sophomores is Jaxon Schmitt. A stretcher removed Schmitt after a long delay late in the third quarter. Ross said Schmitt reported feeling in all extremities and remained awake throughout. Sweet Springs ends the season 8-4. Hear Marceline head coach Mark Ross’ full postgame interview below.
Marceline head coach Mark Ross:
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