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
