Author: Brian Turrel

by Brian Turrel

Schlagle senior running back Ivan Webb raced 73 yards for a touchdown on his team’s first play from scrimmage. The play set the tone for what became a lopsided 57 – 16 victory over Topeka’s Highland Park High School in the first round of the 5A playoffs on Friday at Schlagle.

Webb went on to score three more touchdowns and amass over 300 rushing yards. Quarterback Brayden Soza added two rushing touchdowns in goal-line situations.

The Schlagle defense and special teams also contributed to the scoring. Defensive lineman Tylen Wallace recorded a safety, after the kickoff coverage team pinned Highland Park near their own end zone. Defensive back Robert Suttington returned a fumble recovery 86 yards for a touchdown. Larmon Witt III added a punt return for a touchdown.

The game was not as close as the final score would indicate. All of Schlagle’s points were scored in the first half, before their starters were lifted from the game at halftime. Highland Park’s two touchdowns came in the second half against Schlagle’s substitutes.

With the win, Schlagle improves to 9 – 0 and advances to play at home against Mill Valley (5-4) in the regional final game next Friday. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.

Photos copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel

by Brian Turrel

The Sumner Academy boys soccer team traveled to Basehor-Linwood High School for the 4-1A northeast regional final on Thursday evening, coming away with a 4 – 0 win and the championship plaque. The regional championship is the first in the program’s history.

The cold, windy weather played an active part in the game. Sumner, playing out of the south goal in the first half, faced into strong northerly gusts that knocked down every long pass forward. Even so, the Sabres struck in the 10th minute, with a goal from senior forward Alfonso Vela.

Sumner used accurate passing from its back line and sideline runs from speedy senior midfielder Brian Alvarez to control the ball for much of the first half, but they were unable to add to their total.

The 1 – 0 Sumner lead stood for much of the second half. Basehor stepped up its defensive pressure, and the game became more of a grind. The tough, physical play eventually led to three yellow cards handed out to the Sabres.

With only 11 minutes remaining, Sumner slammed the door on the Bobcats’ hopes for a comeback, picking up three goals in the span of 9 minutes. Senior forward Mauricio Moya started the surge with a hot shot down the middle from 18 yards out.

Alvarez picked up Sumner’s third goal with a sliding cross from the left corner. Freshman midfielder Luis Navidad-Hernandez closed out the scoring by putting back a rebound off the Basehor goalkeeper from close range.

Sumner, now 12-2-1 on the season, moves on to the state quarterfinals, to be played on Tuesday, Oct. 31.

Photos copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel

by Brian Turrel

The Sumner Academy Sabres held off a determined second half comeback attempt from Wyandotte High School to win 26 – 21 at the game between the two KCAL rivals on Friday night.

Sumner took a 20 – 0 lead in the first half, scoring on three touchdown drives fueled by strong gains from running back TaVaughn Sappington.

Wyandotte’s best chance to score in the half came in the final two minutes. Wyandotte drove to the Sumner 5 yard line, but Sumner’s defense prevented any advance on four consecutive plays.

Wyandotte began its comeback on the opening drive of the second half, scoring a touchdown on a 35-yard quarterback run by Torrey Moore. Wyandotte sustained its second-half offensive possessions with long runs from Moore and running back Angelo Hill. The Bulldogs pulled within six points at 20 – 14 on a goal line quarterback sneak by Moore in the third quarter.

Sumner’s defense came through again in the game’s closing minutes. With Wyandotte down 26 – 21 and driving with a chance to take the lead, Sumner recovered a Wyandotte fumble and ran out the clock on the Bulldogs’ chances.

Sumner improved its record to 2 – 2 in the Kansas City – Atchison League (3 – 3 overall). The Sabres play at home against Washington next Friday. Wyandotte dropped to 1 – 4 in the league (1 – 5 overall). The Bulldogs will be host to the Turner Bears next Friday.

Photos copyright 2017 by Brian Turrel