Holton 58, Santa Fe Trail 18

Despite the cold blustery wind and rain, the Holton Wildcats looked in post season form on Thursday night by building a 46-0 lead at the end of one quarter and adding a seventh touchdown two plays into the second period. The Wildcats, starting their 24th straight post season run, built a 58-0 halftime lead with a running clock throughout the second quarter to improve to 9-0 on the season. 

Holton had 254 yards rushing in the first half averaging more than 14 yards per carry with the first three touchdowns scored by Matt Lierz on the first three options plays and Gary Booth adding a TD to make it 30-0. Cayden Jackson then recovered a fumbled punt snap in the end zone and the Cats capitalized on two other Charger turnovers as Jace Boswell scored on a 36-yard run and Jace Hallauer added a pair of TDs in the second stanza. Boswell had a game high 91 yards on just three carries. 

The third and fourth quarter both consisted of a running clock for just 10 minutes but with Holton playing all JV and freshman, Santa Fe Trail was able to score three touchdowns before ending their second straight season with a 2-7 record. The Chargers managed only 27 yards and had no first down in the first half.  

It was game number 300 for Brooks Barta as head coach of Holton as he picked up win number 244 and his 52nd victory in the playoffs with the Wildcats. Holton will have a rematch next week against a Big 7 foe awaiting the winner of Sabetha at Perry Lecompton. 

The game was delayed by about 20 minutes after a Santa Fe Trail player colapsed during pregame warmups. The incident turned serious extremely quick before the student athlete was taken by ambulance to Topeka in critical condition. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers remain with the family of the young man as well as the Charger team and Santa Fe Trail school and community.