Ryan Stapleton

For a team to win a high school state championship it takes a collective effort with different guys stepping up at different times throughout the season.

In Sabetha football’s 3A State Championship win over Pratt Saturday it was an unlikely hero who led the way, as senior Ryan Stapleton recorded three total touchdowns in the Bluejays 43-42 overtime win in Hutchinson.  

Stapleton’s first big play on Saturday came on defense, as he recovered a fumble in the first quarter and returned it 69 yards for a touchdown to give the Bluejays a 18-0 lead early.

After Pratt came back and eventually took the lead Stapleton made another big play, as he caught an 11-yard touchdown pass to pull Sabetha back even at 35 with just 31 seconds remaining.

Stapleton recorded another touchdown reception in the overtime period, as it came on fourth and goal from the six yard line pulling the Bluejays to within one setting up the eventual game-winning 2-point conversion from Gabe Garber.

Stapleton finished with just three receptions for 18 yards but two went for scores, while he added the defensive touchdown as well.

He finished the season with 317 yards receiving and five touchdowns, while on defense he finished with three interceptions on the year with one being returned for a score.

Stapleton capped off his outstanding career with a second consecutive 3A State Title and some of the biggest moments on the biggest stage that will forever be remembered in Sabetha.