The Indians defeated the Staley Falcons 17-14 in the Class 5 District 8 Semifinal game Nov. 5.  This is the second time this season the team has defeated the Falcons. The first time was a 36-21 win on Sept. 3.

The Falcons lead at halftime 14-0. Staley scored first in the second quarter off a quarterback read option by Cole Robertson. They scored again late in the third quarter on a trick play where wide receiver John Randle passed the ball to wide receiver Brett Fleming. Coach Brock Bult knew his team could win even with the fear of losing.

“In the first half it looked like we came out playing not to lose, I noticed the little ‘scared to lose look’ on their faces,” Bult said. “With our backs against the wall I told them ‘To figure it out’ and that’s exactly what they did.” 

Wide receiver junior Larenzo Fenner came into the third quarter with a 15 yard run for the Indians first touchdown of the night. Wide receiver junior Christen Penamon caught a 37 yard pass late in the game to keep an Indian drive alive. Junior Quarterback Greg Menne scored on a quarterback sneak later in the drive to tie up the game at 14.

“Greg just happened to roll over and see me, so I took advantage just how coach Atagi always tells me to,” Penamon said.

The defense kept Staley out of the endzone during the second half. David Jacquez led the team with 10 tackles. Backup defensive lineman junior Danny Quezada felt his teammates stepped up big.

“Everyone has important jobs to do, even the defense,” sophomore Danny Quezada said. 

Fenner agreed.

“The defense always does an amazing job, do not forget the defense,” Fenner said.

The Indians compiled 128 rushing yards with three key runs in the last minute that set them up for a field goal with three seconds left in the game. Fenner believed the team’s kicker would put it through the uprights.

“If Xander misses one, I know for sure he’s always going to make the next one,” Fenner said. 

Sophomore Kicker Xander Shepherd did miss the first attempt, but Staley was penalized for roughing the kicker and the Indians had another chance. This time Shepard kicked a 26 yard field goal with zero seconds left on the clock to seal the 17-14 victory. The Indians are now 1-0 in the playoffs, and will face Platte County in round two on Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. KFOI Sports will live stream the game on mshass.tv.