The West Platte football team saw its longest postseason run in 20 years come to an end on Nov. 29, when they fell on the road against Tipton.
The conditions were far from ideal, as a downpour turned the field into a cold mud pit. The Blue Jays’ offense struggled all day long as they were shut out in a 26-0 defeat.
Xander Shroyer chases down a Tipton ballcarrier during West Platte’s semifinal defeat on Nov. 29. Photo Credit: Michelle Green
The game got off to a slow start with both teams exchanging early possessions. Eventually, the West Platte got the ball moving downfield and into Tipton territory, but a fourth-down interception turned the ball back to the Cardinals late in the first quarter.
Tipton’s drive downfield also ended with a turnover as West Platte senior Canton Wilkins recovered a fumble near midfield. The Blue Jays were unable to take advantage as they gave the ball right back with a fumble of their own.
This time, Tipton did take advantage of the turnover with a 47-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Dane Scholzhauer to junior receiver Andrew Begsten down the left side to break the deadlock. The Cardinals took advantage of a third West Platte turnover as Will Cashman’s interception set up a quick drive that was completed by Tyler Rivera on a powerful 2-yard run to the right side to put the hosts up 14-0 at halftime.
After both teams were unable to create anything on the opening drives of the second half, Tipton chewed up some clock on a lengthy drive that ended with a 3-yard rushing touchdown for Rivera to the right. Tipton had one more back-breaking score in the fourth quarter as Paxton Pyle ran it in on the left side, sealing the 26-0 final score to end West Platte’s six-game winning streak.
The Blue Jays’ memorable run — highlighted by the program’s first district championship in a decade — concluded just one win shy of the state championship game. They end the season with a record of 9-4.
Tipton will take aim for their first state championship when they meet Putnam County on Friday, Dec. 5, at 3 p.m. on the campus of Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph.