Undefeated Lincoln Ends Marceline’s Magical Season in State Semifinals

Marceline football lost to top-ranked and undefeated Lincoln 46-20 in the Class 1 state semifinals at Lincoln Saturday. The Tigers trailed 11-0 with four minutes left in the second quarter when the Cardinals muffed a punt, and Marceline capitalized three plays later.

Eric Duick on the call of sophomore Wyatt Molloy’s eight-yard touchdown run before a missed two-point attempt resulted in an 11-6 deficit. Marceline then forced Lincoln into 3rd and 26 on its own 37 yard line in the final minute of the half, and the Tigers received to open the third quarter. But the Cardinals managed to grab a two possession lead before the break.

Jackson Beaman and Bo Kroenke connected for three touchdowns, and Kroenke tossed a touchdown to Parker Engles. Beaman recorded an unofficial 233 passing yards and 88 rushing yards. The Cardinals controlled the second half and built a 46-6 lead before the Tigers scored two late touchdowns against the reserves. Marceline head coach Mark Ross revealed his takeaways.

Lincoln’s starters held Marceline to less than 100 yards of total offense. Tigers senior Cullen Bruner set Marceline’s single-season rushing and total touchdown record on a four-yard run with three seconds left. Ross shared his postgame message to a Marceline team that finished 12-2 with 10 straight wins before Saturday’s state semifinal loss.

Marceline started eight sophomores on offense and seven on defense. Bruner, quarterback Alex McCauslin, and top tackler Colby Sims are among the graduating seniors. Lincoln faces Valle Catholic in the state championship next week.

Marceline coach Mark Ross: