by Brian Turrel
Schlagle lost to Blue Valley Southwest 37-14 in the KSHSAA 5A regional final on Friday night, the Timberwolves’ second playoff victory over a KCKPS school in as many weeks.
Schlagle looked to running back Jaylin Richardson for rushing yards in the opening drives, but the Timberwolves contained him in the backfield and didn’t allow him to break free. On offense, Blue Valley Southwest focused on their own ground game, able to get solid gains up the middle and pulling out to a 14-0 lead.
On later drives, the Stallions had much better fortune through the air, getting Richardson out on the edge with swing passes, and targeting receiver Jermaine Hicks on deep throws. Hicks caught a 15-yard toss from quarterback Josh Becton with a minute remaining in the first quarter. Becton connected with Manowa Ngenzirabona for the 2-point conversion to pull within 14-8.
The Stallions kept the momentum going with a fumble recovery on the next Timberwolves drive, but weren’t able to cash in the opportunity. Southwest put together two touchdown drives in the second quarter and held a 28-8 halftime lead.
Schlagle got the first possession of the second half, but an interception gave the Timberwolves a short field and the first score of the half, a field goal for a 31-8 lead.
Cameron Campbell caught a touchdown throw from Becton with 3 minutes left in the fourth quarter for the final 37-14 result.
Schlagle ends the season with a 5-4 record, in a three-way tie for second place in the Kansas City-Atchison League.
Three other Wyandotte County teams also ended their seasons last night. Bonner Springs traveled to Bishop Miege, losing 57-8 to last year’s 4A champions. Piper played at undefeated Paola and lost 42-14. Wyandotte played at Olathe North in the 6A regional final, losing 56-13.
