Season over; Blues fall at state

Hays, Kan (westernkansasnews.com)-What began so promising for Finney County ended just as quickly as it started. The Blues season came to abrupt halt with an 8-7 loss to Newton in an elimination game at the AAA American Legion State Tournament Friday afternoon at Larks Park. 

“I just want the guys to know that I’m extremely proud of them,” said Head Coach Lyle Befort, who missed the last two games because of teacher in service. “They worked very hard for me this summer. This was a strong-willed group who proved a lot to other people that didn’t believe in them.”

After falling to Hays in the semifinals on Thursday, the Blues were faced with the overwhelming task of having to win five games in three days to advance to regionals next week. 

“At the end of the day, too many things went wrong, and we just couldn’t make it up.” Befort said. They did great; they’re zone champions.”

Finney County didn’t go down without a fight. The Blues trailed 5-0 after just two innings before they rallied to take a 7-6 lead late. Then the wheels came off. 

What’s been the Achilles heal of this team all year came back to bite them in the end. Newton put runners at the corners in the ninth when a throwing error allowed two runs to score. 

“I hope they remember this feeling,” Befort said. “Next year when they’re ready to play, they’ll remember how it felt to have their season end like that.”

The Blues finish the summer 27-10.