MELVERN — Marmaton Valley High kept its record spotless in hostile environs Friday evening.
The Wildcat offense was clicking in high gear in a 66-42 win over their hosts from Marais Des Cygnes Valley High.
The victory lifts the Wildcats’ record to 5-0 on the season. Just as importantly, the win comes in the opening round of Kansas Eight Man I, District 2 play. The top two teams in districts will advance to the postseason.
The key to the victory, according to Wildcat head coach, was in the team’s line play on both sides of the ball.
“Our offensive and defensive lines did a heck of a job,” Houk said.
And despite giving up 42 points, Houk pointed to a series of critical defensive plays to seal the win.
Twice Marais Des Cygnes Valley had the ball at the Marmaton Valley one-yard-line, only to come away empty on failed fourth-down plays.
And Jared Kale took over at the other end of the field. His safety in the third quarter was part of a 24-point outburst that erased a 36-22 deficit, Houk said.
The Wildcats blasted their way to 395 rushing yards on the evening, including Cole Becker’s 39 carries for 252 yards. Ryan Smith added 112 yards on 17 carries.
Smith also completed two of four passes for 59 yards, one to Lucas Hamlin for 25 yards and a 34-yard touchdown pass to Michael Genn.
Becker added 10 tackles and Carlos Gonzales had seven stops. Kale had two sacks.
Daylen Houk scored on a 25-yard touchdown run to open the proceedings.
Becker added touchdown runs of 12 and 20 yards.
Smith added fourth-quarter touchdown runs covering one and seven yards.
Marmaton Valley returns home Friday to host Uniontown in the Wildcats’ annual homecoming contest.
Wildcats win
