The Park Hill Trojans’ football team had its post season run come to an end in the Class 6 quarterfinals with a 30-13 loss on the road to the Class 6 District 7 champion Liberty Blue Jays on Saturday, Nov. 23.
The Trojans started with the ball and moved into Jays’ territory but the drive stalled. Liberty took over and drove into the Trojans’ side of the field but turned the ball over on downs at the Park Hill 35 yard line. One play later Park Hill quarterback Zane Thomas connected with Landon Julson for a 65-yard touchdown.
Owen Keller blocks an extra point kick. DENNIS SHARKEY/Citizen Photo
The Jays answered on the ensuing possession that ended with a 26-yard touchdown run by Jaxon Hicks who had 262 yards on the ground for the Jays in the game.
Park Hill ended up punting again but the Trojan’s defense got a stop forcing a punt that was blocked by defensive lineman Jonah Were at the Liberty 21 yard line. However Park Hill couldn’t take advantage of the field position and settled for a 31-yard field goal.
Jonah Were gets a hand up to block a punt. DENNIS SHARKEY/Citizen Photo
The Jays took the lead on the next possession with a two-yard touchdown run by quarterback Connor Hatfield. The Jays drive was aided by two facemasks calls on Park Hill. Liberty would add another field goal before the half to lead 16-10.
The Jays opened the second half with a long drive into Park Hill territory but the Trojans defense got a stop on downs for the second time in the game. Park Hill’s offense put a drive together but it ended with a 28-yard field goal to cut Liberty’s lead to 16-13.
Liberty’s run game was too much for the Trojans in the fourth quarter and the Jays pulled away with two touchdowns, which included a drive after a Park Hill turnover. The Trojans end the season in the quarterfinals with a 9-3 record and a seven game winning streak before the loss.
