YATES CENTER — There’s one thing Dan Uhlrich knows about his Marmaton Valley Junior High football team.
“I’ve got a group of kids where it doesn’t matter what the score is, they’re gonna play hard until the end.”
Marmaton Valley trailed host Yates Center 30-8 late in the second quarter before rallying to score twice late in the half.
By then, the momentum had shifted the visitors’ way and Marmaton Valley pulled out a 64-58 victory.
“I think our kids wanted it more in the second half, and we were in better shape,” Uhlrich said. “I think we wore them down. A lot of teams would have given up down 30-8. It says a lot about their character to keep going.”
Marmaton Valley led by 14 late in the game before Yates Center rallied for a touchdown. But the hosts drew no closer.
Statistics were unavailable, although Uhlrich credited his offensive line for their physical play, especially after halftime.
Uhlrich said his players were dedicating the game to seventh-grader Mason Ferguson, a lineman who fractured his leg during the game.
“It’s unfortunate,” Uhlrich said. “He’s a good kid.”
