Schlagle blows out Highland Park in first-round playoff

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.