Scott City shuts out Colby

Scott City, Kan. (westernkansasnews.com)–Entering Friday’s game, Scott City entered 4-2 on the year, but felt they haven’t put together a complete game. You could say that all changed in week seven against Colby. While it was scoreless after the first quarter, the Beavers would package all their points in the second and fourth quarters, as they knocked off the Eagles 28-0 at Darner Field in a big game in Class 3A, District 6.

While Scott City didn’t score on their opening drive of the game for just the second time this year, they were able to move the ball down the field on their second drive. After a scoreless first quarter, the Beavers would score in the first minute of the second quarter, as Harrison King connected with Jace Thomas on a 37-yard pass with 11:07 left in the second quarter to go up 7-0 with the Brady Welker PAT. The drive went 10 plays and 80 yards in 5:30. Two drives later, after the teams exchanged turnovers, the Beavers would go back down the field. A five-play, 74-yard drive in just under two minutes was finished by Jace Thomas’ 51-yard run with 4:23 left in the first half to double their lead at 14-0 with the Welker PAT. Colby would drive to the Scott City seven yard line, but were stuffed on three plays at the Beaver 14 with 20 seconds left in the half, and the Beavers took a 14-0 lead into the locker room.

Colby drove down the field to begin the third quarter and burned nearly five minutes, but Scott City would intercept the ball at the Beaver six yard line. After a high snap on the punt attempt and a rush to their own 16 by the Beavers, it looked as if the Eagles would be in prime position to get on the board. Scott City would force a turnover on downs at the 10 yard line late in the third quarter. The Beavers would punt after a three-and-out, and Colby returned the punt to the Scott City 42.

To begin the fourth quarter, the Eagles drove into the red zone yet again, but a penalty backed them up, and they would eventually turn the ball over on downs with 8:52 left in the game. After Scott City was penalized for tripping, they would have first and 18 at their own seven yard line. A 53-yard pass play from King to Kevin Serrano flipped the field, which flipped the momentum over to the Beavers. King’s second touchdown pass of the game would come on a fourth and 13 from the Colby 16, as he found Isaac Tarango open in the middle of the end zone to extend the lead to 21-0 with 5:59 left. And one play after the Eagles turned the ball over on downs, Scott City delivered the dagger on a 31-yard pass from Harrison King to Carson Faurot to make the score 28-0, with the Welker extra point. Following Scott City’s third forced turnover, the Beavers would run out the clock, and pick up their fifth win of the season.

Harrison King was 9-13 passing for 209 yards and three touchdowns. Jace Thomas led the way with 80 receiving yards on four catches and a touchdown. Scott City finished with 317 yards of offense, as Thomas had 84 yards rushing on 10 carries, and a touchdown, and Kale Wheeler added 36 yards on 10 carries. The Beavers were penalized five times for 38 yards and 17 first downs.

Colby ended with 225 yards of offense, with 170 on the ground on 42 carries. Ryan Myers had 68 yards on 13 carries, and was 5-17 passing for 55 yards with two interceptions. Jaren Rush led their receiving with 23 yards on two catches. Colby had three turnovers and 13 first downs. They were penalized six times for 45 yards.

With the win, Scott City has five wins, which guarantees their 34th consecutive non-losing season. They have won four straight and are now 5-2 on the year, and are 4-0 in Class 3A, District 6 play. The Beavers also improved to 28-16 in the series against the Eagles, who have now lost nine straight in Scott City. Scott City also avoided back to back losses against Colby for the first time since 1985 and 1986. The Beavers are 4-0 in district play for the second time in three years, and have scored in 150 consecutive games, dating back to 2008. Colby was shut out for the first time in 32 games, when they lost to Holcomb 27-0 on September 29, 2017.

Scott City will travel to Southeast of Saline to wrap up the regular season next Friday night. It will be a game that will determine the District 6 champion. Both teams are guaranteed a first round playoff game on October 30. The Trojans are 6-0, after they defeated the Smoky Valley Vikings 53-8 on Friday night in Lindsborg. They are also 3-0 in district play. Colby is 5-2 on the year and 2-2 in district play, as they will host the Goodland Cowboys next Friday. The Cowboys improved to 3-3 with a 33-16 win against Russell on Friday.

Coach Brian Gentry Postgame