Sabetha 28, Holton 16

The start of the game and the first play of the second half were key for the Sabetha Bluejays who opened the 2025 season at home with an impressive Big East win against Holton. Sabetha grabbed an early 14-0 advantage with a dominant first half and took the hopes away for any Wildcat comeback on the first play of the third quarter with a 60-yard halfback pass from Colin Menold to Charlie Lukert to go up 21-0 and coast to their third straight win against Holton. 

The WIldcats actually outgained Sabetha 306 yards to 267 and only had one fumble compared to a pair of second half interceptions thrown by Jays. However, seven key penalties derailed multiple Holton drives and the Cats were outplayed in the trenches despite having a much bigger line and also having more experience in the trenches. In fact, Sabetha didn't even start a senior across their line of scrimmage but continued to take advantage of field possession and went 4 of 7 converting on third down while also successful on their only fourth down try to stay in control throughout the game. 

Sabetha scored on four of their first five possessions of the game and led 28-0 less than three minutes into the third quarter. Following the halfback pass, the Jays recovered a fumble and cashed in on a short 36 yard field with a touchdown run by Will Voos. The senior also opened the scoring with a nine-yard TD run to cap the Jays opening 52 yard drive and finished the night with 106 yards on 21 carries. 

Sabetha defense forced a three and out to start the game, then turned Holton over on downs and scored their second TD with a short 45-yard drive capped by Micah Lang's one-yard QB sneak. The Bluejays finished with 174 yard rushing and 93 passing and had just four penalties. Cole Menold made a ton of key plays on offense, defense, and special teams and finished with 34 yards rushing and the 60-yard TD pass. Jack Frazee also had two receptions for the Jays. 

Holton found success in the second half getting their senior signal caller in space as Alec Frazier finished with 70 yards on 12 carries and got Holton on the scoreboard with 4:46 left in the third quarter when he had a pair of nifty runs including an eight-yard TD to cap a 10-play, 80-yard drive. Andrew Shupe scored the final touchdown on the night on a 28-yard run with just 35 seconds remaining in the game that capped a late 96-yard-drive. Holton converted both their two-point tries after losing starting runningback, kicker, and punter Korban Wilson in the first half.  

Shupe led the Cats with 84 yards on 14 carries while Cael Frazier added 62 yards on 15 totes. Wilson added 43 yards in the first half and Kayden Gale ran for 42 yards in a balanced rushing attack. Jarett Abel snagged both second half picks for the Holton defense. However, the starting field position for Holton was their own 25-yard line while Sabetha averaged starting at their own 39 yard line for their eight possessions. 

Holton will have two home Big East games against Riley County (0-1) next week then Royal Valley while Sabetha goes on the road in week two facing Perry Lecompton (0-1). Both games will be broadcast on the Holton and Sabetha Channels through MSC Sports.  

Archive of week one available free to watch on the MSC Sports Radio Network