Staff writer
The Goessel Bluebirds caught Peabody-Burns off guard Friday with an opening onside kick that led to the visitor’s first score of the game, but the surprise jolted the Warriors into high gear, as they dominated in a 54-8 third quarter victory.
“The first thing that happened in this game proved that this team can bounce back when things don’t go the way of the plan,” said Warriors coach David Pickens. “After the Goessel score, these players came to the sideline with resolve. When they went back on the field, it was time to settle in and play.”
Four Warrior scores gave the team a 26-8 margin at the end of the first quarter. A Clayton Philpott 65-yard kickoff return earned the first Warrior score. Brooks Hodges added a 2-point conversion. A Kevin Baatrup punt return set up the next score. After a 21-yard carry by Hodges, Philpott finished with a 19-yard run for a touchdown. The next scoring series covered 43 yards and ended with a 5-yard quarterback keeper from Braxton Kyle for 6. A 34-yard Philpott run gave the team the final score of the first quarter.
Two passing touchdowns were added early in the second. Kyle connected twice with Austin Reynolds for 45-yard and 51-yard scores. The final score prior to the half was a 15-yard run by Kyle. PBHS led 48-8 at the break.
Less than 2 minutes into the third quarter, Hodges delivered the final blow with a 3-yard rush to make the score 54-8. The game ended due to the 45-point rule.
Kyle was 5 for 10 in the passing game with 112 yards and 2 scores. Reynolds grabbed 3 receptions for 86 yards and 2 touchdowns. Baatrup caught one pass for 18 yards and Hodges had 2 catches for 8 yards.
Philpott had 3 carries for 62 yards. Kyle rushed 6 times for 56 yards. Hodges had 8 carries for 49 yards. Kaden Gibson added 15 yards in 3 carries.
Warrior defense was led by Kyle with 8 tackles. Hodges followed with 7 tackles and 3 sacks. Philpott had 6 tackles and 3 sacks. Kiefer Larsen added 6 tackles and 2 sacks, and Baatrup had 3 tackles and 1 interception.
“I’m very proud of the way they handled themselves,” Pickens said. “They are an aggressive bunch. They took advantage of the situations and got a win. That’s all I can ask of them.”
The team will travel to Canton on Friday to take on Canton-Galva.