The 61st edition of the Rockhurst Hawklets vs Blue Springs Wildcats rivalry was one to remember, as the Wildcats erased a 2nd half deficit to hand the Hawklets their first loss of the season. The game started as a defensive battle, with neither team able to get their offense moving. However, that changed with Blue Springs marching down the field and finding WR Zay Hite who made a bobbling catch to get the scoring started. From there, Rockhurst controlled the second quarter, answering on the next possession, evening up the score on a QB sneak from the one. After forcing a punt, the Hawklets scored on the second play of the possession, as WR Tristan Johnson found some space with a spin move and took the pass 58-yards to take the lead. Blue Springs closed the gap just before halftime with a field goal to make it 14-10 at the break. Coming out of halftime, the Wildcats struck fast, with a 38-yard touchdown to take the lead early in the second half. After the ensuing Rockhurst drive stalled, a field goal knotted it up at 17 halfway through the 3rd quarter. Another long drive for Blue Springs found the Wildcats with 4th and goal where they once again punched it in on the ground. However, as they had all game, Rockhurst used a big play and answered right back with a long touchdown pass, but a penalty moved the extra point back, causing a miss, keeping the Wildcats in the lead by 1. On the next play for Blue Springs, the running back fumbled the ball, but WR, and eventual game MVP, Devin Staley scooped up the ball and took it 74-yards to the endzone, fully shifting the momentum in favor of the Wildcats. Looking to respond, Rockhurst dropped back to pass, and the Blue Springs defense stepped up, intercepting the pass and taking it in for a pick 6 to make it a 2-score game late in the 4th. Rockhurst was not going to go down without a fight, throwing another touchdown pass with a minute remaining, but the failed onside kick sealed the victory for the Wildcats, who brought home a 38-29 victory.

MVP

Devin Staley
Blue Springs

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Henry Coppinger

Rockhurst

Henry is the ultimate high school student athlete. He is an invaluable member of the football team playing on both sides of the ball. Henry does everything the right way and is a tremendous leader to all. Off the field, he leads in the classroom as he has maintained a tremendous 4.2 GPA. After high school, Henry is unsure of where he will attend but hopes to continue both his athletic and academic careers.
Luke Crandall

Blue Springs

Luke is a prime example of a Scholar Athlete. He is a multisport athlete, as he has been a member of the Blue Springs High School football team for the past four years while also competing on the track & field team as a pole vaulter. He has done both exceptionally while holding an impressive 4.463 GPA. Luke is an elected Student Senator, a member of NHS, and a HOSA international qualifier. He also attends Flight Training Ministries and volunteers at “Exceptionals”. After high school, Luke hopes to attend the US Naval Academy in Annapolis and eventually serve in the military.

GAME SUMMARY