MORAN — A 15-yard run by reserve running back Carlos Gonzales with just over a minute left in the game broke a tie and propelled Marmaton Valley High to victory Friday.
The Wildcats didn’t allow visiting Pleasanton High to advance past midfield on the Blu-Jays’ final possession of the game in an 18-12 win.
The victory lifts Marmaton Valley’s record to 4-2. More importantly, the Wildcats stand at 2-0 in Kansas Eight Man, Division I, District 2 play.
“Our defense really stepped up,” Wildcat head coach Kent Houk said. “They had a hard time running against us.”
The Marmaton Valley defense snuffed a Pleasanton drive at the Wildcat 20-yard line late in the fourth quarter, setting up the tie-breaking drive. Several runs up the middle led Marmaton Valley to the Pleasanton 15-yard line with a fourth-and-one.
The Blu-Jays crowded the middle of the field, allowing Gonzales to slip past on the outside and in for the touchdown.
The teams traded scores early in the contest. Daylen Houk answered Pleasanton’s first touchdown with a 78-yard kickoff return for a score. Zack English gave Marmaton Valley a 12-6 lead late in the first half with a 14-yard run.
Pleasanton again knotted the score late in the third quarter, setting up the tenuous final minutes.
Cole Becker led Marmaton Valley with 138 yards on 22 carries. English rushed for 68 yards and completed 3 of 12 passes for 46 yards with two interceptions. Becker registered 13 tackles to lead the Wildcat defense. Austin Harrison added 11 stops.
Marmaton Valley was without the services of Daylen Houk following a shoulder injury, Kent Houk said.
“We had to mix and match a bit with some of our guys,” Houk said. “Carlos stepped up and made a big play for us at running back. Zack English stepped up and played well at linebacker.”
Both teams were plagued with penalties. Marmaton Valley was whistled 15 times for 118 yards. Pleasanton committed 12 penalties, good for 135 yards.
The Wildcats have little time to rest on their laurels. They must travel to district and Three Rivers League arch-rival Crest next Friday.
Marmaton Valley 6-6-0-6—18
Pleasanton 6-0-6-0—12
Pleasanton — Hein 5 yd pass from Coffman (PAT failed)
