PLEASANTON — The blocking of Marmaton Valley High’s offensive line, coupled with the speed of their running backs, proved to be enough to end the game at halftime Friday in their 58-6 win over Pleasanton High.
The game started fast with a 40-yard punt return for a score from Wildcat senior Jimmy Frye early in the first quarter. Pleasanton responded quickly with a one-yard touchdown run to finish their drive. It was Pleasanton’s only score of the night
The Wildcats scored 50 unanswered points before the clock ran out on the second quarter. The team rushed 17 times for 260 yards. Daylen Houk had a 65-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Cole Becker had the longest run of the night with 66 yards ending with a touchdown, then closed the first quarter with 55 yard run to the end zone.
The second quarter was all Wildcats as well. Ryan Smith completed a 25-yard touchdown pass to Houk. Smith ran for two more touchdowns, and Houk ran once more for a touchdown with a 33-yard jaunt. The game was ended at half, due to the Kansas eight-man football mercy rule.
The Wildcat defense held the Eagles to a scant 52 yards of total offense. Houk led the team in tackles with 10, Becker and Frye each had seven. Senior Lucas Hamlin had two quarterback sacks and Jared Kale contributed one.
Coach Kent Houk attributed Friday’s win to the exceptional blocking of the Wildcat offensive line, and they played a role in every single successful run.
“The offensive line really fired off,” Houk said. “I would see Nathan Smart (senior offensive lineman) 20 yards downfield blocking for the run.”
He said the running backs read their blocks well, and that helped them rack up as many yards as they did. The Wildcats will prepare for Yates Center in their home game next Friday. Houk said the defense needs to be ready for Yates Center’s unique spread
offense.But, Houk said his team played well, fought hard, and the players had a good time on the field, describing the game as “good old-fashioned, on-theground football.” Marmaton Valley High’s win improved their season record to 7-0 and 3-0 in district play. Pleasanton 6-0-x-x—6 MV 30-28-x-x—58 MV — Fry 40 yd punt return (Smith run) Pleasanton — Campbell 1 yd run (PAT failed) MV — Houk 65 yd kickoff return (Becker run) MV — Becker 66 yd run (Smith run) MV — Becker 53 yd run (PAT failed) MV — Houk 25 yd pass from Smith (PAT failed) MV — Smith 20 yd run (Becker run) MV — Smith 8 yd run (PAT failed) MV — Houk 33 yd run (Becker run) Pleasanton MV First downs 2 5 Rushing 24-9 17-260 Passing-yds 43 25 Total offense 52 285 Passing 2-9 3-3 Fumbles 2 1
Wildcats remain perfect with lopsided win
