Hoyt, Kansas

Holton came into Friday's contest in Hoyt riding a three game winning streak, outscoring opponents 89-21 with a dominating rushing attack. Averaging over 300 yards on the ground in each game. That would continue on Friday night in Hoyt as Holton eclipsed the 300 yard rushing mark again. Thrashing the Royal Valley defense for 310 yards on the ground and hanging 39 points on the board while allowing just 220 yards and 14 points for the Panthers.

Holton wasted no time crossing the goal line as they marched down the field on their opening drive 65 yards on 8 plays capped with a Canon Karn 34 yard touchdown run. Holton would then score on their next three offensive possessions with touchdown runs of 54 yards by Taygen Fletcher and 11 yards by Kale Purcell, and a touchdown pass from Purcell to Ian Watkins. Holton led the Panthers 27-0 midway through the second quarter. Royal Valley would get a head of steam heading into halftime though with a couple 4th down conversions, a defensive penalty and the Panthers scored just before the halftime break to trail by a score of 27-6.

A third quarter saw an exchange of possessions before Royal Valley really got their offense going. Driving down to the 30 yard line of the Wildcat's, the Panthers ran their final play with their most explosive player Chance Lyming. No spotter could have seen what happened during the 2nd down play that resulted in 4 officials throwing their flags.

The result, was a personal foul and an ejection of Lyming which halted any chance of a Panther comeback. Holton would force a punt by the Panthers on the same drive, the punt would be blocked and returned for a 40 yard touchdown by Konnor Tannahill. Holton would tack on two field goals by Junior exchange student Guillermo Ruiz (22yd, 27yd). The Panthers would get a late touchdown from Senior Quarterback Gavin Cumpton with just over one minute remaining for the final score of 39-14.

Holton was led in rushing by Fletcher with 96 yards on 8 carries, Purcell with 77 yards on 11 carries, while the Panthers were led by Cumpton with 96 yards on 13 carries.

Holton (4-1) will now host Big 7 league rival Sabetha (4-1) for Homecoming next week in a match up where Big 7 league and district seeding will be on their minds. Kickoff scheduled for 7:00pm in Holton, the game will be covered on 103.9FM KNZA while online the Holton & Sabetha channels on mscsports.net

Royal Valley (0-5) will hit the road in district play and travel to the NO. 1 team in 3A Marysville (5-0) with kickoff scheduled for 7:00pm