Entering week four, the back-to-back league champion Sabetha Bluejays had won 16 straight Big 7 games and had four consecutive wins against Holton. Yet, in the district opener, it was all Holton as both streaks came to an end in a 45-21 Wildcat win. The game didn't have any turnovers or huge game-changing plays, rather Holton was just a little better on both sides of the ball as the Cats played four tough quarters and played with high intensity and discipline after a lack-luster second half led to their only loss of the year last week against Perry Lecompton. 

The battle of 2-1 teams was tied 7-7 early in the second period before Holton scored on six of their next seven drives and never trailed in the contest. The Wildcats were ahead 21-7 at halftime and 31-13 after Matt Lierz kicked a 30-yard field goal near the end of the third frame. Holton ran for 438 yards on 62 carries and got three touchdowns from Canon Karn who led the way with 169 yards rushing.

Addison Hundley added 114 yards and a score while Konnor Tannahill chipped in 75 yards and also found the endzone. These three senior leaders along with quarterback Kale Purcel and a trio of senior lineman up front helped Holton overcome a rash on injuries and illness during the week while playing without three starters. The lineman included center Carter Watkins and right tackle Jordan Hunington and the only two-way starter, Logan Dieckman who had a terrific game and open some nice holes earning Giant Communications "Lineman of the Game" honors.  Hundley was also huge on both sides of the football and had a sack and several tackles while topping the century mark rushing for the first time to earn "Player to Bank On" honors from the Citizens State Bank and Trust Company of Hiawatha. 

In fact, the Wildcats started five sophomores on defense and limited Sabetha to 120 yards rushing and 188 passing.  Drew Schmelzle accounted for all three Bluejay scores and he broke free on a 43-yard touchdown run to tie the game at seven in the second quarter and then shifted to playing quarterback and ran a five-yard TD midway through the third. Schmelzle tossed a two-yard strike to Josh Hermann with 3:35 left to make it 38-21, but Jace Hallauer responded for Holton just a few plays later breaking free for a 43-yard score. 

Schmelzle had 75 yards rushing with four completions to Kaden Dillon in the second half. Dillon was 12-21 passing for 143 yards in the first half and Noah Nonnast had 9 receptions for 102 yards before the Jays slipped to 2-2 and now have a huge district game versus Rock Creek next week, needing a win to secure a home opening round playoff game. 

Holton is 3-1 and will take on Royal Valley for homecoming next week then play at Hiawatha.