Marceline Survives Fayette’s Quarterfinal Comeback Effort on Last Drive

Marceline outlasted Fayette 21-20 in the state quarterfinals at Marceline Saturday. The Falcons trailed 21-14 with five and a half minutes left.

Eric Duick with the call of Ben Wells’ run on 99.9 The Captain and centralmoinfo.com. The Falcons attempted a two-point conversion.

Fayette later stripped Marceline at the Tiger 42 yard line with two and a half minutes left. Marceline senior Brendon Catron sacked Wells, then the Tigers denied Fayette’s hook and ladder on 4th and 18. Marceline head coach Mark Ross analyzed the defensive stand.

Fayette head coach Mike Thompson lamented the long yardage situation.

Thompson evaluated the earlier two-point try.

Falcons running back Garren Vroman delivered a four-yard touchdown on Fayette’s first possession, but Marceline responded with 21 unanswered.

The 49-yard Jacob Stallo to Jace Bixenman connection handed the Tigers a 21-6 advantage three minutes into the third. Senior Hunter Nelson rushed for an unofficial 115 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries.

Ross and 11-1 Marceline host undefeated Hayti in the state semifinals next Saturday. 11-2 Fayette matched the winningest season in school history.

Thompson’s Falcons followed a week four loss at Marceline with eight straight victories before Saturday’s quarterfinal. Hear full postgame interviews with the head coaches below.

Marceline head coach Mark Ross:

Fayette head coach Mike Thompson: