It was a successful, and eventful, 2017 for Louisburg High School athletics and for those who are connected to the Wildcat program. This past year created a lot of school history for LHS and several programs brought back state hardware to Louisburg.

Below are the Top 10 stories from 2017, along with a brief explanation of each. Included in the explanation is the link to the actual story from the event.

This year was a blast to cover and I was blessed to have the opportunity to go along for the ride with many of these. As much fun as it was, I can’t wait for 2018 to begin. Looking forward to it!

Louisburg’s Calvin Dillon earns his first state golf medal as a freshman as he took 10th at the state meet.

10. Dillon medals at state golf

Louisburg freshman Calvin Dillon certainly didn’t play like a first-year varsity player as he led the Wildcat golf team all season. Dillon finished 10^th at the Class 4A state tournament in Wamego and became the first Wildcat golfer to earn a state medal in several years.

Dillon made the state tournament alongside senior Ty Martin, who finished in 28^th place overall after he earned his second straight state appearance.

Isabelle Holtzen earned her first state medal in the pole vault as she took seventh back in May.

9. Holtzen, Dover earn first state track medals

T.J. Dover finished eighth in the discus at the Class 4A Kansas State Track and Field Championships in Wichita.

Junior Isabelle Holtzen and senior T.J. Dover both ended their track and field seasons on a good note as they earned state medals in late May at the Class 4A state meet in Wichita.

Holtzen had a big season in the pole vault as she ended seventh in the state after she cleared 10 feet. Earlier in the year, Holtzen broke a 15-year old school record in the pole vault as she topped 11-1.

Dover made his second consecutive trip to the state meet and finished strong in his final high school performance. He took eighth with a throw of 143-4.

The Wildcats qualified for the state meet in 10 events and had two regional champions in junior Quinn Rigney (100-meter dash) and sophomore Chris Williams (400 dash).

8. Frontier League adds three schools, says goodbye to another

For the Frontier League, 2017 brought a lot of changes to a league that has featured seven schools for the last several years.

Starting in the 2018-19 season, the Frontier League will add three new schools. Piper, Tonganoxie and Bonner Springs each accepted invitations to join the league last April to create a 10-team league.

It is didn’t stay 10 teams for long as De Soto will make the move to a different league during the same season. The current league will be made up of nine schools: Louisburg, Paola, Ottawa, Spring Hill, Baldwin, Eudora, Piper, Tonganoxie and Bonner Springs.

7. Louisburg boys soccer wins regional crown

The Louisburg High School boys soccer team was trying to make its second consecutive trip to the state tournament this past season and the Wildcats almost got there.

Although the Wildcats fell to McPherson in the state quarterfinal game in late October, Louisburg put together another successful season that included a 1-0 victory over Independence in the regional championship game.

The Wildcats finished the season with a 13-6 record and earned the school’s first Frontier League championship since 2010.

Junior Ryan Adams celebrates after he earned a state medal at 138 pounds.

6. Wildcat wrestling qualifies eight for state, Adams picks up medal

The Louisburg High School wrestling team had an historic season as it qualified eight for the Class 4A state wrestling tournament, which tied for the most in school history, during the regional tournament in February at Frontenac High School

Thad Hendrix (106 pounds), Nathan Keegan (120), Kyle Allen (126), Ryan Adams (138), Dylan Meyer (145), Austin Moore (170), Austin Raetzel (195) and Mason Koechner (285) all competed at the state tournament in Salina.

Adams earned the school’s lone state medal on the season as he finished sixth overall at 138 pounds.

Louisburg head football and boys track and field coach Gary Griffin retired from the district after 32 years. It was one of many changes for the LHS athletic department.

5. LHS goes through staff/coaching changes

The 2017-18 school year looked a lot of different than in previous years for Louisburg High School athletics.

LHS saw a lot of changes in its coaching staff and in the administration as well. Activities director Darin Gagnebin stepped down and was replaced by current director Jeremy Holloway.

In the coaching department, former head and assistant football Gary Griffin retired from the district after 32 years with the high school and Louisburg promoted assistant Robert Ebenstein as the new Wildcat head football coach.

Jason Nelson resigned his post as the Wildcat head boys basketball coach and he was replaced with Ty Pfannenstiel. Griffin and Greg Darrington also resigned as the boys and girls track and field coaches, and were replaced by Andy Wright (boys) and John Reece (girls).

Louisburg cross country runners (from left) Tim Smith, Trinity Moore and Wyatt Reece each ended the season with a state medal.

4. LHS cross country earns three state medals, qualifies girls team

The Louisburg High School cross country team might have had its best season in its 19-year history in 2017.

The Wildcats thrived against some of the state’s best competition as seniors Wyatt Reece, Tim Smith and sophomore Trinity Moore all earned state medals at the Class 4A meet in Wamego.

Moore recorded the highest finish for a female runner in school history as she finished fifth in the state and broke her own school record in the process with a time of 19 minutes and 47 seconds.

In the boys race, Reece picked up his first state medal with a time of 17 minutes and finished 11^th overall. Smith, who won a regional title the week before, came in 15^th with a time of 17:05. Smith was the first Wildcat to win a regional title in school history.

Louisburg also made history as the Wildcat girls team qualified for the state meet for the first time after they finished third at their regional in Burlington. Moore joined Isabelle Holtzen, Reilly Alexander, Carlee Gassman, Kaitlyn Lewer, Payton Shaffer and Emily Williams to make up the seven-member squad that finished 10^th in the team standings at state.

Earlier in the year, Moore became the school’s first Frontier League champion, while Reece recorded the highest league finish in boys history as he took second at the league meet.

3. Louisburg boys basketball earns first state tournament berth in 12 years

The season may not have started out the way the Louisburg boys basketball team would have liked, but it certainly finished on a positive note.

Louisburg knocked off rival Paola in the sub-state semfinals and then defeated Fort Scott in the championship game in early March to earn its first sub-state championship since 2005.

The Wildcats earned the No. 6 seed and squared off with eventual champion Bishop Miege at the Class 4A state tournament in Salina. The Stags ended the Wildcats’ season with an 81-47 loss.

2. LHS girls soccer finishes fourth at state tournament

Louisburg’s girls soccer program has only been around for two years, but the Wildcats have set high expectations from the beginning and that continued in 2017.

The Wildcats advanced to the Class 4-1A state semifinals for the first time in school history as they defeated Piper with a 2-1 victory in overtime. This victory came off their second consecutive regional title as they knocked off Bonner Springs.

At the state tournament, Louisburg faced off with Thomas More Prep and suffered a heart-breaking 1-0 loss in the semifinals. The Wildcats moved on to the third-place game against Maize South and eventually finished fourth overall.

1. Lady Cat volleyball ends season as state runner-up

The Louisburg High School volleyball team was just one point away from not only becoming the school’s first state volleyball champion – but also the first female team to win a state title in Louisburg history.

As close as the Lady Cats got, they came up just short against defending state champion Rose Hill in late October at the Class 4A-Division I state championship. Louisburg fell 23-25, 25-10 and 29-27 in heartbreaking fashion to finish as the state runner-up.

Still, it was an impressive season for Louisburg volleyball as it finished with a 34-10 record. The Lady Cats reeled off wins over Basehor-Linwood, Bishop Miege and Rose Hill in pool play and then downed Wellington in the state semifinals.

The Lady Cats received several accolades as junior Anna Dixon and senior Sophie McMullen earned first team all-state and all-league honors. Dixon was also named as the Co-Player of the Year in Class 4A-Division I.

Junior Carson Buffington was also named to the all-state tournament team with Dixon and McMullen.

Louisburg junior Austin Moore was the lone Frontier League player to earn first team All-Frontier League honors on both sides of the ball. Moore finished the year with a team-high in tackles, rushing yards and touchdowns.

Although the Louisburg High School football team didn’t make the state playoffs, the Wildcats still considered it a successful season for many reasons.

Louisburg posted a 6-3 record after losing 17 seniors the season before to graduation, and the Wildcats had nearly had an entire new coaching staff, led by head coach Robert Ebenstein.

The Wildcats were a test to everyone in the Frontier League and the other six league coaches were aware of that. The all-league honors were officially released Monday and Louisburg had players all over the team.

Louisburg had five players selected on the offense, while nine were named to the all-league defensive team.

“When you take into consideration how much talent is in our league, I thought we were represented very well,” Ebenstein said. “Every year the Frontier is one of the toughest and most consistent leagues in the state of Kansas. Every season it seems like there is a Frontier League school in the final two in the East. De Soto was there this year, and last year us and Ottawa were two of the final four.”

Austin Moore was one Louisburg player where the Frontier League coaches liked what they saw as he earned first-team honors on both sides of the ball and was the only player in the league to do so.

Moore, a junior, was named first team all-league on defense at middle linebacker and was a first team skill player on offense. It was the second season in a row he finished the year with first team honors on defense.

Senior lineman Garrett Lowry was a first team all-league selection on offense.

Senior Garrett Lowry was a first team selection on the offensive line for the Wildcats, while senior safety Christian Tosterud was named to the first team on defense.

Moore had a big season for the Wildcats as he led the team with 1,154 yards rushing and 15 total touchdowns. Defensively, Moore led Louisburg with 69 tackles, five sacks, five tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

“Austin had a very solid season on both sides of the ball, but the most impressive thing about Austin is that he is a great kid and a true leader,” Ebenstein said. “It is reassuring to have kids like Austin around because you know he is always going to do the right thing and represent Louisburg football to the utmost. Austin was the only player in the league to be selected to first team on both sides of the ball, and that is just a testament to him and his work ethic.”

Lowry, who is a three-year starter for the Wildcats, was a fixture on the Wildcat offensive line as he helped pave the way for 2,145 yards rushing and almost 3,000 yards of total offense.

Tosterud was all over the field defensively for Louisburg as he was second on the team with 61 tackles and a forced fumble from his safety spot.

Senior safety Christian Tosterud earned first team all-league defensive honors.

“I was very excited to see Christian and Garrett both receive first team all-league honors as seniors this season,” Ebenstein said. “Both of those guys basically missed an entire year of their high school careers, so for them to get past those trials and work their butts off I am so glad other coaches in the league saw their potential as well.”

The Wildcats also had a pair of players selected to the second team.

Quarterback Madden Rutherford was named as a second team skill player. The Louisburg sophomore finished the season with 670 yards through the air and had eight touchdowns. He also finished with 318 yards rushing and two more touchdowns on the ground.

Sophomore quarterback Madden Rutherford tallied almost 1,000 yards of total offense as he was named second team all-league.

Defensively, junior Kiefer Tucker was a big part of the Wildcat defensive line as he ended up with 35 tackles, two sacks, three tackles for a loss and two fumble recoveries.

“I am very excited for the future of this program as there are many kids that are ready to rise up and take that next step,” Ebenstein said. “We have a lot of young guys returning on both sides of the ball who will big time contributions for us next year. Having a quarterback return who received any honors is a huge advantage. By the end of the year, Madden was making some solid decisions, and began to read veer, midline and our other option plays very well. He had just under 1,000 total yards combined.

“As for Kiefer, he will never be the biggest by the definition of an offensive or defensive lineman, but his motor is relentless and I think that is what the other league coached noticed about him. He is a kid that can close down three gaps and still play stretch and sweep because he is so fast and only has one speed and that is 100 percent.”

Junior lineman Kiefer Tucker earned second team all-league defensive honors.

Louisburg’s defense was well-represented on the honorable mention team as the Wildcats six players named. Defensive linemen Noah Larson and Lowry, linebacker Will Ridley and defensive backs Blue Caplinger, Brayden Gage and Desmond Doles earned all-league honors.

Offensively, Doles and Tucker were selected as honorable mentions, as well.

Doles was the team’s leading receiver with 284 yards through the air and five touchdowns. He also added 29 tackles and a team-high three interceptions on defense.

Caplinger and Gage each had two interceptions for the Wildcats and had 32 and 26 tackles, respectively. Gage also had two forced fumbles and Caplinger had two fumble recoveries.

On the line, Larson had 22 tackles but was second on the team with four sacks and had three tackles for a loss. Lowry finished with 26 tackles and one sack. At linebacker, Ridley had 41 stops to go along with two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a sack.

Also for the first time in program history, Ebenstein unveiled six team awards and were handed out during the team’s banquet on Nov. 9.

Austin Moore was named the team’s Offensive Player of the Year and earned the B.A.C. Award. Christian Tosterud was selected as the team’s Defensive Player of the Year and was also give the Hammer Award.

Special Teams Player of the Year was given to Will Ridley and Scout Team Player of the Year was awarded to Jonathan DePriest. Kiefer Tucker earned the Hardhat Award.

“The team awards are something we decided to do to just acknowledge some of the work that our kids put into this sport,” Ebenstein said. “A lot of people do not realize how much most all of our players sacrifice for this program. I could not even attempt to explain, but this commitment aspect is something that separates Louisburg from many other programs throughout the state. The team awards were just a way for us to honor these kids and keep that motivation going all year.

“I honestly thought it would be a fun easy thing to do, it was honestly the hardest thing we had to decide on all year as a coaching staff. The decisions on who would get these awards were the most heated discussion we had all year, in a positive light of course but we have so many deserving kids that it was a really difficult process to get it down to one player for each award.”

ALL-FRONTIER LEAGUE FOOTBALL

FIRST TEAM OFFENSE

Offensive Line: Marshall Kellner, De Soto, senior; Devin Haynes, De Soto, junior; Michael Mashburn, De Soto, junior; Jake Miller, senior, Paola; Garrett Lowry, Louisburg, senior

Skill: Bryce Mohl, De Soto, senior; Trevor Watts, De Soto, senior; Kurt Golubski, Paola, senior; Colton Gleghorn, Paola, senior; Luke Laskowski, Baldwin, senior; Austin Moore, Louisburg, junior

Kicker: Max Garrett, De Soto, senior

SECOND TEAM

Offensive Line: Dustin Adler, Eudora, senior; Keegan Wahlmeier, De Soto, senior; Jeff Schartz, Paola, junior; Mike Stribling, Paola, sophomore; Keegan Crotchett, Spring Hill, senior

Skill: Carter Neis, Eudora, junior; Leo Oplotnik, De Soto, senior; Brennen Feeback, Spring Hill, junior; Nathan Ewing, Spring Hill, senior; Hunter Ramirez, Baldwin, senior; Madden Rutherford, Louisburg, sophomore

Kicker: Jon Bock, Eudora, senior

HONORABLE MENTION

Offensive line: Griffin Oxley, Eudora, junior; Victor Berumen, De Soto, junior; Quinn Nichols, Baldwin, junior; Kiefer Tucker, Louisburg, junior; Tyler McKinney, Paola, junior

Skill: Elijah Kennedy, Eudora, senior; Darren Winans, De Soto, senior; Connor Strouse, De Soto, senior; Drew Smith, Paola, senior; Brandon Wilkes, Paola, senior; Brandon Carlson, Ottawa, junior; Devion Bethea, Ottawa, senior; Desmond Doles, Louisburg, senior

Kicker: Bear Gardner, Spring Hill, sophomore; Ryan Wokutch, Paola, sophomore

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE

Defensive line: Zach Titus, De Soto, senior; Cole Zade, De Soto, senior; Clay Essex, Paola, sophomore; Keegan Crotchett, Spring Hill, senior

Linebacker: Jack Barger, De Soto, senior; Brendan Ohlmeier, Paola, junior; Kaleb Shaffer, Ottawa, senior; Austin Moore, Louisburg, junior

Defensive back: Brayden Brummer, De Soto, senior; Tanner Duncan, Paola, senior; Christian Tosterud, Louisburg, senior

Punter: Max Garrett, De Soto, senior

SECOND TEAM

Defensive line: Austin Ormsby, Eudora, senior; Josh Diehl, De Soto, senior; Brandon Wilkes, Paola, senior; Kiefer Tucker, Louisburg, senior

Linebacker: Jameson McGinness, Eudora, senior; Mason Taulbee, De Soto, senior; Trevor Gress, De Soto, senior; Winston Davis, Paola, senior

Defensive back: Bobby Gill, De Soto, senior; Mason Bell, Spring Hill, senior; Ethan Temple, Baldwin, senior

Punter: Jon Bock, Eudora, senior

HONORABLE MENTION

Defensive line: Elijah Kennedy, Eudora, junior; Jeff Schartz, Paola, junior; Jake Miller, Paola, senior; Kip Rogers, Paola, junior; Garrett Borth, Baldwin, senior; Tristan Schweda, Baldwin, senior; Garrett Lowry, Louisburg, senior; Noah Larson, Louisburg junior

Linebacker: Carter Neis, Eudora, junior; Jimmy Bichelmeyer, De Soto, senior; Colton Gleghorn, Paola, senior; Jacob James, Spring Hill, senior; Nolan Ewing, Spring Hill, junior; Zach Flowers, Baldwin, junior; Cy Hockey, Baldwin, junior; Will Ridley, Louisburg, senior

Defensive back: Drew Smith, Paola, senior; Seth Richmond, Paola, junior; Trajan McCormick, Spring Hill, senior; Desmond Doles, Louisburg, senior; Blue Caplinger, Louisburg, junior; Brayden Gage, Louisburg, junior

Punter: Seth Richmond, Paola, junior; Brennen Feeback, Spring Hill, junior

Members of the 2017 Louisburg sixth-grade tackle football team are (front row, from left):  Blake Amren, Gage Gilliland, Brady Hickey, Luke Hill, Ayden McKain; (second row) J’Lee Collins, Caden Caplinger, Declan Battle, Hunter Heinrich, Jack Anderson, Drake Crooks; (third row) Scott Thornton, Wyatt Holland, Brock Vohs, Dawson Rizzo, Jaymes Melton, Jackson Howard; (back row) coaches Kraig Hickey, Marc Gilliland, Lane Caplinger, Aaron Battle, Rob Vohs, Gabe Anderson and Joe Crooks.

A group of sixth-grade Louisburg football players banded together one final time as they took part in the Kansas City Football Club (KCFC) and competed against other programs from all across the Kansas City metro area.

The Wildcats more than held their own.

Louisburg won five of its first six games and finished the year with a 7-1 record and a second place finish in the KCFC. The 17-member Wildcat team racked up victories against teams from Shawnee Mission, Blue Valley and Olathe and put together their first winning season as a group.

“This was our team’s best year at KCFC,” coach Aaron Battle said. “I am very proud of all the hard work and dedication these young men put in over the years. This is the type of season that truly builds momentum for our players. This is the first year that we actually had a winning season so the timing couldn’t have been better. They will start middle school football next year and they are super pumped about it. I can’t wait to watch them continue to develop and grow as a team. They get better and better every year.”

Through the first four weeks of the season, the Wildcats dominated their competition. Louisburg shutout each of its first four opponents, including a 36-0 win over Blue Valley North to open the season.

The Wildcats followed that up with a 24-0 win over Paola, a 30-0 victory against Olathe Northwest and a 34-0 win over Gardner-Edgerton. Louisburg gave up 22 points in its next game, but the Wildcats pulled through to get a 30-22 victory over Blue Valley Southwest in week five.

Louisburg was dominant for much of the season as they scored 226 points through eight games and gave up only 60.

Week six provided the lone loss for the Wildcats as they fell 26-6 to Spring Hill, but responded well with a 30-6 victory over Shawnee Mission Northwest and a 36-6 win over Shawnee Mission West to close out the season.

“They have a lot of talent, and they are going to be extremely fun to watch, especially once they get to high school,” coach Battle said of his team. “I love each of them and I am going to miss being on that field with them. I also want to thank the parents and assistant coaches. Our accomplishments on the field was also due to their dedication, sacrifices and support.”

Members of the 2017 Wildcat sixth grade team are: Declan Battle, Jack Anderson, Jaymes Melton, Luke Hill, Wyatt Holland, J’Lee Collins, Brock Vohs, Scott Thornton, Hunter Heinrich, Brady Hickey, Caden Caplinger, Gage Gilliland, Jackson Howard, Drake Crooks, Ayden McKain, Dawson Rizzo and Blake Amren.

Louisburg was led by head coach Aaron Battle and assistant coaches Marc Gilliland, Gabe Anderson, Kraig Hickey, Lane Caplinger, Joe Crooks and Rob Vohs.

Louisburg senior Ben Minster looks to get a block during a kick return against Paola on Friday during Senior Night at Wildcat Stadium. Minster was one of 10 Louisburg seniors that were honored before the game.

The Louisburg High School football team found itself one win away from making the state playoffs for the third straight season.

Leave it to rival Paola to dash those hopes.

On Senior Night in Louisburg, the Wildcats couldn’t stop the Panther offense as Paola put together two long drives in the second half to pull away for a 34-12 win over Louisburg. The loss ended Louisburg’s season with a 6-3 record.

The defeat also meant the Wildcats had to say goodbye to their 10 seniors: Will Ridley, Garrett Lowry, Matt Holloway, Christian Tosterud, Mitchell Drew, Will Smith, Gillin Newell, Desmond Doles, Ben Minster and Alec Maler.

“I am proud of our kids,” Louisburg coach Robert Ebenstein said. “They have fought all year and they grew a lot. I am happy for our seniors that were able to continue to grow as a family and as a team. I am also proud of the younger kids to support them in their efforts as seniors.

“Sometimes we put too much emphasis on certain parts of the game and there are a lot of ins and outs and stuff that doesn’t show on the scoreboard that nobody sees, so I really think our kids grew a lot.”

Louisburg got on the board first as it put together an 82-yard drive that resulted in a 6-yard touchdown run by junior Austin Moore. Although the extra point failed, the Wildcats still held a 6-0 lead late in the first quarter.

Senior Garrett Lowry makes a stop at the line of scrimmage Friday.

Paola answered quickly to start the second quarter on a 58-yard touchdown pass and then scored on a short touchdown run after the Panthers recovered a Louisburg fumble. Despite all that, the Wildcats trailed just 13-6 at halftime.

Penalties hurt the Wildcats through much of the game as they were flagged eight times for 97 yards, which ended up stalling many of the Louisburg drives. The Wildcats also turned the ball over twice.

“It seemed like every play that was more than 2 yards came back because of a penalty,” Ebenstein said. “Sometimes you just don’t get the breaks and you have to find a way to make your own. Our kids hung tough, and it was a one possession game at half, but that third quarter was a killer.”

The third quarter was a rough one for Louisburg.

Paola opened the second half on a seven-minute drive that went nearly 80 yards and ended on another short touchdown run. The Wildcats got the ball back, but went three and out, only to see the Panthers put together another six minute drive that went 60 yards and got another touchdown.

Charlie Koontz makes a tackle on a Paola running back Friday at Wildcat Stadium.

“We only ran like three offensive plays in the third and one of them was my fault because it was relayed in wrong,” Ebenstein said. “Coach (Mike) Dumpert and the rest of the Paola staff are great coaches and they are going to find what works and go to it. Defensively, I think there was a point where we had four sophomores on the field and two of our seniors starters were out on defense due to an injury. We had some holes exposed, but hats off to Paola and they played well.”

Louisburg snapped its scoring drought in the fourth quarter when quarterback Madden Rutherford found Doles for a 32-yard touchdown pass. Paola answered one more time with a touchdown scoring drive to seal the win and end the Wildcats’ season.

It was an up and down year for the Wildcats, but Ebenstein, who is in his first year as head coach, saw a lot of growth from his team.

“Whether I am a head coach, or an assistant coach, I am going to do whatever I can for these kids and I just hope at the end of the day they grow as a family,” Ebenstein said. “Before the game, I told them to just go play a perfect game. A lot of people think of a perfect game is doing everything right. I just wanted them to lay it all out there. I think our kids did everything they could. The scoreboard doesn’t show a perfect game, but I don’t think any of the kids left anything in the tank.”

LOU               6             0             0             6 – 12

PAO               0             13           7             14 – 34

SCORING SUMMARY

First quarter

L: Austin Moore 6 run (kick failed)

Second quarter

P: Brandon Wilkes 58 pass from Kurt Golubski (kick blocked)

P: Colton Gleghorn 4 run (Ryan Wokutch kick)

Third quarter

P: Gleghorn 5 run (Wokutch kick)

P: Drew Smith 3 run (Wokutch kick)

Fourth quarter

L: Desmond Doles 32 pass from Madden Rutherford (kick failed)

P: Golubski 1 run (Wokutch kick)

STATISTICS

RUSHING – Will Ridley 9-38, Austin Moore 7-18, Blue Caplinger 1-16, Madden Rutherford 5-7. Totals: 22-79

PASSING – Madden Rutherford 6-14-133

RECEIVING – Ben Minster 4-95, Desmond Doles 2-38

TACKLES – Austin Moore 10, Charlie Koontz 9, Brayden Gage 5, Kohl Vogel 5, Will Ridley 5, Kiefer Tucker 5, Garrett Harding 5, Garrett Lowry 4, Desmond Doles 3, Blue Caplinger 2, Brayden White 2, Jorge Lebron 1, Noah Larson 1, Will Smith 1, Gillin Newell 1, Matt Holloway 1.

Louisburg linemen Matt Holloway (left) and Kiefer Tucker open a running lane for quarterback Madden Rutherford on Friday in Ottawa. The Wildcat offensive line helped pave the way for 372 yards on the ground, including a 228-yard and five touchdown performance from junior running back Austin Moore in their 42-19 win over Ottawa.

OTTAWA – Following the district opening loss to Fort Scott, the Louisburg football team knew there was little room for error.

Another setback would make it difficult for the Wildcats to advance to the Class 4A-Division 1 state playoffs, as the top two teams in each district get in. That is why Friday’s contest against Ottawa was as close to a must-win as Louisburg has had all season.

The pressure didn’t seem to faze the Wildcats as they opened the game with a pair of touchdowns and didn’t look back in a 42-19 victory at Ottawa High School. The win put Louisburg at 1-1 in district play and 6-2 on the season.

“It was a really big win,” Louisburg coach Robert Ebenstein said. “We preached all week that we needed to even out our district record and everything we did was with that in mind. We had a great week of practice, played really well and gave ourselves a chance for next week. I am very excited.”

Louisburg set the tone offensively as it scored on its first two possessions of the game and the Wildcats were able to run the ball right at Ottawa. The Wildcats amassed 372 yards rushing, with a lot of those coming from one back.

Junior running back Austin Moore had a big performance for Louisburg as he carried the ball 28 times for 223 yards and five touchdowns.

The Wildcats were able to control the line of scrimmage as Noah Larson, Matt Holloway, Kiefer Tucker, Garrett Lowry, Garrett Harding and Brayden White opened up a lot of holes for Moore, as did backs Blue Caplinger and Will Ridley.

“Austin ran hard, but I think there was probably four or five times where I don’t think anyone touched him until he was like five or six yards deep,” Ebenstein said. “That offensive line, along with Will and Blue getting in there, they are getting better at blocking every single week. They are finding those linebackers, putting their head on the right side, turning their butts and just sealing a wall. As an offensive unit, they were really sharp out there.”

Louisburg’s offense opened it up early when quarterback Madden Rutherford connected with Desmond Doles for a 26-yard pass, which helped set up a 6-yard touchdown run by Moore.

Senior tight end Christian Tosterud finds a lot of running room during the first half of Friday’s game in Ottawa.

Moore then recovered an Ottawa fumble on the Cyclones’ first possession and the Wildcats turned that into points as Rutherford scored on a 45-yard touchdown run. Moore then ran in the 2-point conversion and the Wildcats had a quick 15-0 lead.

The Wildcats’ confidence came through late in the second quarter. When faced with a fourth and goal at the 4, Louisburg went for it and Moore ended up scoring on a 4-yard run to give Louisburg a 22-7 halftime lead.

“When we were down there, I wanted to just try and draw them offsides, but I had two linemen tell me no and they just wanted to go on ‘Set’ and just go at them,” Ebenstein said. “When those guys are feeling it like that, you just go with it.”

Defensively, the Wildcats were able to slow the Ottawa offense at times with several backups playing starting roles. Louisburg was able to force the Cyclones into three turnovers, including fumble recoveries by Moore and Tucker, a forced fumble by Ridley and an interception by Brayden Gage.

Christian Tosterud and Ridley each led Louisburg with nine tackles on the night.

“I thought we played pretty well all the way around,” Ebenstein said. “Defensively, we had two new safeties in, a new linebacker in and then we have Christian (Tosteurd) get hurt. We have new guys in and out against a team that wants to throw the ball, can throw it and has athletes, so I thought we did OK. They did well for their first time getting out there.”

Defensive backs Kohl Vogel (left) and Brayden Gage break up a pass in the endzone Friday against Ottawa.

Moore continued his string of touchdowns in the second half as he scored on runs on 21, 15 and 34 yards to help put the game away.

The victory sets up an elimination game with rival Paola this Friday in Louisburg. Fort Scott, which has beaten Louisburg and Paola, has already wrapped up the district title, leaving one spot left.

That spot will go to the winner of the rivalry matchup, which is also Senior Night in Louisburg. The two teams were in the same scenario last season when the Wildcats went on the road to knock off Paola.

“This is what you play high school football for – Louisburg/Paola, last game of the year, Senior Night and a chance to go to the playoffs – that is good stuff,” Ebenstein said. “We will be excited and ready to go for sure. I know Paola will be as well. We were in the same situation last year, and we got the better end of it, so I am sure Paola remembers that and will be ready. It is going to be a lot of fun.”

LOU               15           7             6             14 – 42

OTT               0             7             6             6 – 19

SCORING SUMMARY

First quarter

L: Austin Moore 6 run (Drake Varns kick)

L: Madden Rutherford 45 run (Moore run)

Second quarter

O: Kennontae Savage 8 pass from Kaleb Shaffer (kick good)

L: Moore 4 run (Varns kick)

Third quarter

L: Moore 21 run (kick failed)

O: Savage 5 pass from Shaffer (kick failed)

Fourth quarter

L: Moore 15 run (Varns kick)

O: Elias White 29 pass from Shaffer (run failed)

L: Moore 34 run (Varns kick)

STATISTICS

RUSHING – Austin Moore 28-223, Madden Rutherford 10-100, Charlie Koontz 3-16, Will Ridley 4-13, Brayden Gage 2-11, Blue Caplinger 2-9. Totals: 49-372

PASSING – Madden Rutherford 4-6-83

RECEIVING – Desmond Doles 2-32, Christian Tosterud 1-30, Blue Caplinger 1-21

TACKLES – Christian Tosterud 9, Will Ridley 9, Blue Caplinger 7, Brayden Gage 6, Austin Moore 4, Kiefer Tucker 4, Jorge Lebron 3, Garrett Harding 3, Garrett Lowry 3, Kohl Vogel 2, Michael Waldron 2, Tanner Belcher 2, Noah Larson 2, Will Smith 2, Desmond Doles 2, Alec Maler 1, Beckett Rasmussen 1.

Louisburg quarterback Madden Rutherford gets the ball just over the outstretched arms of a Fort Scott lineman Friday in Fort Scott. Rutherford threw for two touchdowns in the Wildcats’ 42-20 loss to the Tigers.

FORT SCOTT – The Louisburg High School football team began a brand new season Friday when it opened district playoffs at Fort Scott.

The Wildcats didn’t get off to the start it wanted.

Fort Scott broke open the game in the second half as it scored 21 unanswered points in the third quarter and Louisburg couldn’t catch up in a 42-20 loss.

Louisburg (5-2) couldn’t contain Fort Scott running back Zarek Fewell as the elusive Tiger back finished the game with 214 yards and five touchdowns.

“They just beat us up front,” Louisburg coach Robert Ebenstein said. “They were more physical, they made big plays, we had some guys go down and our depth kind of got exposed. We just have to get better, and we will, but there is some stuff that we definitely need to fix.”

Turnovers and big plays from Fort Scott were the Achilles heel for the Wildcats as two of the Tigers’ touchdowns runs went for 60 and 56 yards. Fort Scott also had an 81-yard pass play that set up another touchdown in the first half.

In the third quarter, turnovers haunted Louisburg as it threw an interception and then fumbled the kickoff that allowed Fort Scott to go in for another score.

“The first third down of the second half, we line up wrong formation wise and we have to punt,” Ebenstein said. “Then we throw an interception. Then we drop a kickoff and it just kind of steamrolled from there.”

Louisburg lineman Garrett Harding brings down Fort Scott’s Zarek Fewell with the help of linebacker Austin Moore on Friday in Fort Scott.

Fewell started the game with a big play for Fort Scott. After the Wildcats were forced to punt on the game’s opening possession, Fewell broke free for a 60-yard touchdown run on the Tigers’ first play from scrimmage.

The Wildcats were able to answer right back as quarterback Madden Rutherford broke free for a 27-yard run that set up as 12-yard touchdown pass from Rutherford to Austin Moore.

Late in the first quarter, Fort Scott quarterback Jesse Jones found receiver Gunnar Brown for an 81-yard pass play that set up another Fewell touchdown. The Tigers got the lead back, but the Wildcats responded as Moore broke free for a 20-yard run on their next drive, which set up a 1-yard touchdown run from Moore, but the extra point was no good.

Fort Scott took a 21-13 lead at halftime, but the Wildcats were still within striking distance. However, penalties and turnovers cost Louisburg and the Tigers were able to capitalize with three consecutive touchdowns.

Moore led Louisburg on the ground with 100 yards rushing, while Rutherford had 89 yards through the air to go along with two touchdowns, including a 30-yard touchdown pass to Desmond Doles to end the game.

Senior Christian Tosterud was all over the field for the Louisburg defense as he led the Wildcats with 10 tackles on the night. Noah Larson and Will Ridley each had a sack and Doles had a fumble recovery in the first half.

Louisburg will try and keep its playoff hopes alive this Friday when it travels to Ottawa. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. The Wildcats’ final district game is at home against Paola next week and they will need to win the next two games to have a strong chance at the postseason.

“Ottawa and Paola are both great teams, and they are going to be big games,” Ebenstein said. “We have to get to work and get better.”

LOU               7             6             0             7 – 20

FS                   14           7             21           0 – 42

SCORING SUMMARY

First quarter

F: Zarek Fewell 60 run (kick good)

L: Austin Moore 12 pass from Madden Rutherford (Drake Varns kick)

F: Fewell 9 run (kick good)

Second quarter

L: Moore 1 run (kick failed)

L: Fewell 7 run (kick good)

Third quarter:

F: Fewell 56 run (Kick good)

F: Matt Campbell 28 pass from Jesse Jones (kick good)

F: Fewell 5 run (kick good)

Fourth quarter

L: Desmond Doles 30 pass from Rutherford (Varns kick)

STATISTICS

RUSHING – Austin Moore 13-100, Madden Rutherford 8-49, Will Ridley 5-20, Ben Minster 1-3, Blue Caplinger 3-(minus) 2. Totals: 30-170.

PASSING – Madden Rutherford 6-14-89

RECEIVING – Desmond Doles 2-45, Austin Moore 2-16, Blue Caplinger 1-13, Brayden Gage 2-10, Ben Minster 1-5.

TACKLES – Christian Tosterud 10, Austin Moore 5, Brayden Gage 4, Will Ridley 4, Michael Waldron 4, Noah Larson 4, Blue Caplinger 3, Mitchell Drew 2, Garrett Harding 2, Garrett Lowry 2, Madden Rutherford 1, Josh Casey 1, Kohl Vogel 1, Kiefer Tucker 1, Will Smith 1, Desmond Doles 1.

Louisburg running back Austin Moore gets a block from receiver Desmond Doles for a big run Friday at Wildcat Stadium. The Wildcats defeated Spring Hill 33-0 in their homecoming game and Moore carried the ball for 274 yards with three touchdowns.

It would have been an easy for members of the Louisburg High School football team to lose focus with everything going on around them.

The game ended what was a busy homecoming week and the Wildcats took an emotional stance when they joined Spring Hill in coming out of the locker room and standing for the national anthem – something they normally stay inside for.

Despite all that, concentration wasn’t a problem for Louisburg as it recorded its second consecutive shutout with a 33-0 victory over Spring Hill on Friday and improved its record to 5-1 on the season.

“I was very impressed with our kids focus,” Louisburg coach Robert Ebenstein said. “We have grown a lot this season and we are still getting better. With everything going on this week, and the atmosphere of the game, our kids kept their heads and just played football.”

Football took a back seat for a few minutes and both teams stood in the back of the endzone together to stand during the national anthem. Earlier in the week, Ebenstein brought up an idea to his team of coming out of the locker room for the anthem and he asked the Spring Hill coaches if they would like to join together.

Ebenstein got a quick response from the Bronco staff and the two teams united, even if it was just for a few moments.

“This was something that we saw as an opportunity to teach our kids about how grateful we are to even get the opportunity to play this great game,” Ebenstein said “We know that our society is not perfect, but paying our respects to the people who have laid the foundation for this country is something that is important to us.  So after a unanimous decision as a team, it was something we wanted to do.

“I reached out to (assistant) Coach (Tucker) Woofter from Spring Hill who I know through the wrestling community, and who is a great guy and competitor. I told Tucker it was something we were thinking about and offered to extend the invitation to them. He spoke with (head) Coach (Jason) Feeback, and called me back the next day and said it was something they would love to do as well. So we shuffled some things around and decided to come out for the national anthem for just this game.”

Members of the Louisburg and Spring Hill football teams stood together in the endzone for the national anthem.

On the football field, the Wildcats made a statement as well.

Ebenstein reinforced the message with his team earlier in the week to be physical up front offensively and the Wildcats appeared to have gotten the message. Louisburg’s offensive line of Garrett Lowry, Garrett Harding, Noah Larson, Kiefer Tucker and Brayden White paved the way for 353 yards on the ground, with a bulk of those yard coming on the legs of junior running back Austin Moore.

Moore made it difficult on the Spring Hill defense as he carried the ball 31 times for 274 yards and three touchdowns as he reeled off several big runs. Fellow backs Blue Caplinger and Will Ridley also opened some holes for Moore.

“Offensively, I challenged our team to be the most physical they had been all season and we did a great job blocking up front as well as on the perimeter,” Ebenstein said. “Austin obviously ran very well, but the down field blocking by Will and Blue was the best of the season thus far.”

The Wildcats were just as strong defensively as they played with a bend, but don’t break mentality. Although Spring Hill drove the ball down the field on a couple different occasions, the Wildcat defense came up with big plays as it forced two first half fumbles, preventing a score.

Louisburg held Spring Hill to 168 yards of total offense and made the stops when it needed to.

“Spring Hill found some things that were working, but we were able to shut down the inside run game and trap game,” Ebenstein said. “They found a little room on the edges with zone read stuff, but ultimately the shutout is something to be very proud of. Coach (Jeff) Lohse again had a great plan. I was very pleased with some of the kids who got into the game with nearly five minutes left and were able to keep the shutout. That is very impressive.”

Kris Light and Chloe Philgreen were crowned fall homecoming king and queen before Friday’s contest at Wildcat Stadium.

After a slow start, the Wildcats got on the scoreboard late in the first quarter with the help of its defense.

Tucker recovered a Spring Hill fumble on the Bronco 10-yard line and the Wildcats answered on the next play with a Caplinger 10-yard touchdown run.

Midway through the second quarter, the Wildcat defense turned the Bronco defense over on downs at midfield and Louisburg drove down the field and ended with a 1-yard touchdown by Moore.

Late in the first half, Louisburg rose to the occasion on defense once again. Caplinger recovered a fumble on the Louisburg 7-yard line as it appeared the Broncos were going in for a score.

Moore reeled off a 57-yard run to go into Spring Hill territory, then followed it up with a 21-yard touchdown run. After a Drake Varns extra point, the Wildcats took a 19-0 halftime lead.

Moore added a 20-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter and the Wildcat defense sealed the win with their third turnover of the night. Desmond Doles intercepted a Spring Hill pass and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown.

“I was pretty pleased with our play,” Ebenstein said. “We made some mental mistakes early in the game on offense, which we need to get cleaned up. We left some points on the field with a turnover on downs inside the 10 yard line, as well as a fumble inside the 5. With districts approaching, these are mistakes we need to take care of and get cleaned up. Defensively we gave up some yards, but locked in on big downs and were able to get off the field.”

Lineman Kiefer Tucker pressures the Spring Hill quarterback in Friday’s shutout of the Broncos.

After winning five of its first six games to start the season, the Wildcats will put that behind them as they begin district play Friday at Fort Scott. The top two teams in each district will advance to the Class 4A playoffs.

“Going into districts at 5-1, and winning the last three games with two shutouts, is a great way to go into districts,” Ebenstein said. “But at this point everyone in 4A is 0-0 and we have a tough Fort Scott team this week, so we will need to be ready to go.”

LOU               6             13           0             14 – 33

SH                  0             0             0             0 – 0

SCORING SUMMARY

First quarter

L: Blue Caplinger 10 run (kick failed)

Second quarter

L: Austin Moore 1 run (2-point conversion failed)

L: Moore 21 run (Drake Varns kick)

Fourth quarter

L: Moore 20 run (Varns kick)

L: Desmond Doles 40 interception return (Varns kick)

STATISTICS

RUSHING – Austin Moore 31-274, Will Ridley 6-43, Blue Caplinger 3-34, Madden Rutherford 4-8, Brayden Gage 1-(-3). Totals: 45-353.

PASSING – Madden Rutherford 1-5-16

RECEIVING – Ben Minster 1-16

TACKLES – Austin Moore 7, Christian Tosterud 7, Will Ridley 5, Garrett Harding 4, Noah Larson 4, Blue Caplinger 2, Mitchell Drew 2, Garrett Lowry 2, Desmond Doles 2, Ben Minster 1, Josh Casey 1, Brayden Gage 1, Beckett Rasmussen 1, Michael Waldron 1, Tanner Belcher 1, James Foote 1, Will Smith 1, Jonathan DePriest 1.

Tuesday was “Dress Like Your Dad” day and all eight Louisburg High School fall homecoming candidates gave it their best shot. The candidates are (front row, from left) Mikayla Quinn, Reilly Alexander, Chloe Philgreen, Sophie McMullen; (back row) Desmond Doles, Garrett Lowry, Kris Light and Christian Tosterud. 

Homecoming week at Louisburg High School kicked off Monday and events are in full swing. With something going on every day this week, it will be a busy time for students. All of it is, of course, centered around the crowning of the 2017 fall king and queen. Eight students were selected as nominees and here are their names and profiles.

The crowning will take place on Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Wildcat Stadium before kickoff of Louisburg’s game with Spring Hill.

Desmond Doles and Mikayla Quinn

Desmond Doles 

Desmond is the son of Bryan and Desiree Doles. He has participated in basketball for four years, choir for four years and football for three years. After graduation, Desmond plans to go to college at Emporia State University and major in exercise science or biology and then transfer to the University of Kansas to get his doctorate in physical therapy.

Mikayla Quinn

Mikayla is the daughter of Danny and Mary Quinn. She has participated in volleyball, basketball, track, band, choir and musicals for four years. She has been a part of debate and National Honor Society for two years and student council for one year. After graduation, Mikayla plans to go to Kansas State University to study pre-occupational therapy and major in social science.

Reilly Alexander and Garrett Lowry

Garrett Lowry

Garrett is the son of Shawn and Kristine Lowry. He has participated in football for four years, basketball for three years, track for two years and FFA for one year. After graduation, Garrett plans to attending a welding trade school.

Reilly Alexander

Reilly is the daughter of Steven and Amy Alexander. She has participated in Leo’s Club and track for four years. She has been a part of cross country, volleyball, choir and been a boys basketball manager for two years, along with one year of debate, musical and Spanish Club. After graduation, Reilly plans to attend the University of Kansas to major in pre-law.

Kris Light and Chloe Philgreen

Kris Light

Kris is the son of Greg and Carla Light. He has participated in soccer and track and for three years, basketball and debate for two years and student council for one year. After graduation, Kris plans to attend college and study engineering.

Chloe Philgreen

Chloe is the daughter of Topher and April Philgreen. She has participated in select choir, musicals, band and student council for four years. She has been a part of FCA and forensics for three years, Spanish Club and National Honors Society for two years and Leo’s Club for one. After graduation, Chloe plans to study public relations or strategic communications with a minor in vocal performance.

Christian Tosterud and Sophie McMullen

Christian Tosterud

Christian is the son of Chris and Maribel Tosterud. He has participated in football for four years, baseball for three years, basketball, debate and Spanish Club for two years and mixed choir for one year. After graduation, Christian plans to attend Kansas State University to pursue a degree in computer science with an emphasis in computer software engineering.

Sophie McMullen

Sophie is the daughter of Scott and Sarah McMullen. She has participated in volleyball and FFA for four years, track for three years, Spanish Club for two years and LEO’s club for one year. After graduation, Sophie plans to attend Northwest Missouri State University on a volleyball scholarship and will study elementary and special education.

Louisburg running back Will Ridley tries for a few extra yards during Friday’s game against Baldwin. The Wildcats held Baldwin to under 100 yards of offense and rolled to a 34-0 win. 

BALDWIN CITY – ‘Play hard for four quarters’ is a phrase most football coaches use to try to motivate their team in hopes of trying to get the best out of them.

The Louisburg football team took that to heart Friday when it faced off with Baldwin. Unlike the week prior, where the Wildcats struggled with energy, turnovers and penalties – and still won in the final seconds against Eudora – they took care of all the mistakes.

Louisburg got off to a fast start and never looked back in a 34-0 shutout of the Bulldogs in Baldwin City. It was a game where the Wildcats made plays in all three phases.

“This past week was our best week of practice so far and I think it showed,” Louisburg coach Robert Ebenstein said. “We were focused, we put in some new things, they picked it up and it was high energy all week. Our goal this week was just to have high energy throughout the entire game and during practice, and if you looked at us out there, we flew around and made a lot of plays. They played great.”

The Wildcat defense frustrated Baldwin for much of the game and the Bulldogs never made a real threat on the endzone. Louisburg held Baldwin to just 74 yards of total offense and were active for most of the night.

Junior linebacker Austin Moore had a big game on both sides of the ball, but defensively he was all over the field as he led the team with 12 tackles. Senior defensive back Christian Tosterud had 10 tackles and senior linebacker Mitchell Drew finished with nine.

Defensive ends Noah Larson and Kiefer Tucker caused havoc in the Bulldog backfield and put pressure on the Baldwin offense. Defensive backs Blue Caplinger and Desmond Doles each had an interception.

Louisburg’s Noah Larson grabs a hold of a Baldwin player’s jersey as teammate Mitchell Drew (33) makes the tackle Friday in Baldwin CIty.

“Our kids up front are pretty quick,” Ebenstein said. “I don’t know if Baldwin underestimated how quick our defensive ends are, but they can fly. We have two athletic kids playing d-end that are in great shape and they get after it and really move.

“I think us running the same offense as Baldwin helped a little bit because we have seen it for a few weeks now. But (defensive coordinator) Jeff Lohse is as underrated as anybody in the entire league when it comes to football. He scouted them up, he knew exactly what he wanted to do and he hammered it into our players all week. He did a great job with those guys.”

Offensively, the Wildcats (4-1) were just as sharp as they ran the ball at the Bulldogs and never let up as they totaled 319 yards on the ground. Louisburg jumped out to a three touchdown lead in the first half and didn’t look back.

A lot of those yards came thanks to the legs of Moore and quarterback Madden Rutherford. Moore finished with game with 141 yards on the ground to go along with two touchdowns.

Rutherford, a sophomore, made his fair share of big plays as well. He scored a game-high three touchdowns, including two on the ground. Running backs Will Ridley and Caplinger also reeled off big runs to keep the Louisburg drives going.

Blue Caplinger gets out in front to make a block on a Baldwin player for teammate Brayden Gage.

The Wildcats were able to make those plays thanks to the offensive line Garrett Lowry, Garrett Harding, Larson, Tucker and Brayden White, along with tight ends Ben Minster and Tosterud.

“Our line was doing a great job of making holes up front and reaching to the linebackers,” Rutherford said. “It allowed Austin to do what he does and he played great.

“We switched up formations a little bit, and went under center a little more, but we are celebrating each play more and we are playing with high energy. That was definitely a key factor for us.”

Moore opened the game with a 12-yard touchdown run in the first quarter and it was all the points the Wildcats would need. Rutherford expanded that lead in the second quarter when he hit Minster for a 9-yard touchdown pass and then scored on a 1-yard quarterback sneak shortly before halftime.

“It was really impressive for us,” Moore said of the shutout. “We came out with a lot more intensity than we have in the past and I think it showed. Offensively we played a lot better than we did the week before and we were trying to pick each other up after every run.”

Moore added an 11-yard score in the fourth quarter, and with six minutes left in the game, Rutherford juked a Baldwin defender and broke free for a 49-yard touchdown to seal the win.

“What we were really preaching to them to was to play well in all three phases for four quarters,” Ebenstein said. “So being able to score points early is really big for us and we just built on that from there.”

The Wildcats will try and make it three wins in a row Friday when they host Spring Hill for homecoming. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., as Louisburg tries to exact revenge after losing to Spring Hill in the final seconds a year ago.

“We are really excited for homecoming week and everything that is involved with that,” Moore said. “We are definitely ready to play Spring Hill again.”

LOU               7             14           0             13 – 34

BAL                0             0             0             0 – 0

SCORING SUMMARY:

First quarter

L: Austin Moore 12 run (Drake Varns kick good)

Second quarter

L: Ben Minster 9 pass from Madden Rutherford (kick failed)

L: Rutherford 1 run (Austin Moore run)

Fourth quarter

L: Moore 11 run (kick failed)

L: Rutherford 49 run (Varns kick)

STATISTICS

RUSHING – Austin Moore 20-141; Will Ridley 7-75; Madden Rutherford 6-64; Blue Caplinger 2-39. Totals: 35-319.

PASSING – Madden Rutherford 2-10-15-1

RECEIVING – Ben Minster 1-9, Desmond Doles 1-6

TACKLES – Austin Moore 12, Christian Tosterud 10, Mitchell Drew 9, Noah Larson 7, Brayden Gage 5, Will Ridley 4, Kiefer Tucker 4, Blue Caplinger 3, Kohl Vogel 3, Michael Waldron 3, Garrett Harding 3, Will Smith 3, Brayden White 2, Jorge Lebron 2, Beckett Rasmussen 1, Garrett Lowry 1, Matt Holloway 1, Desmond Doles 1.

Louisburg junior Brayden Gage outruns the Eudora defense for a big gain Friday at Eudora High School. The Wildcats got a late touchdown to pull out a 14-7 victory and they are now 3-1 on the season.

EUDORA – In a tie game with 17 seconds left in regulation, Louisburg’s Desmond Doles broke the huddle with his Wildcat teammates.

As he lined up on the outside, Doles kept hearing the words of his coach, Robert Ebenstein, over and over again in his mind.

“Coach just told me to calm down, catch the ball and use my big strides to get into the endzone,” Doles said.

Doles did exactly that.

He caught an 11-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Madden Rutherford and gave the Wildcats a 14-7 win over Eudora on Friday at Eudora High School. It was the second time Doles connected with Rutherford for a score.

“They had nine in the box sometimes with cover 1 over the receivers and you have to make to those plays and Desmond made them,” Ebenstein said. “Madden put the ball where it needed to go, and that is what you hope for when you play in this offense. You hope for 1-on-1’s and winning those matchups and we won two.”

The game-winning score brought a lot of joy to the Wildcat sidelines, but a little relief as well as Louisburg overcame three turnovers and two blocked punts to pull out a big road win that pushed its record to 3-1 on the season.

Desmond Doles (left) celebrates with teammate Garrett Lowry after Doles scored the game-winning touchdown in the Wildcats’ 14-7 victory.

On two different occasions, the Wildcats had a chance to put some distance between themselves and Eudora, but fumbled twice inside the redzone and another time while trying to receive a punt.

Still, the Wildcats fought through all that and came up with big stops on defense, including late in the fourth quarter when they forced Eudora to punt deep in their own territory to set up the game-winning score.

“At times it looked we were trying to give it away,” Ebenstein said. “We turned it over twice inside our 10, we had two blocked punts and we had another punt go off our helmet. For our kids to come together in the fourth quarter, move the ball and then stop them – I am proud of them for that. We are in week four, so we aren’t young anymore, but I am proud of the growth they are showing. For a young team to buckle down and make those plays, those are signs of good things to come.”

Louisburg began the contest on a strong note as Rutherford connected with Doles on a slant pass and turned it into a 40-yard touchdown early in the first quarter. As good as the opening drive was, the Wildcats struggled to get going offensively for much of the first half.

Defensively, however, the Wildcats were stingy and held Eudora out of the endzone until late in the second quarter. Louisburg fumbled the snap on a punt and Eudora recovered to take the ball on the Wildcat 20-yard line.

With 48 seconds left in the first half, Eudora quarterback Alex Brown found Elijah Kennedy for a 17-yard touchdown pass and the game was tied at 7-all at halftime.

Eudora’s defense continued to make it hard on the Wildcat offense in the second half. The Cardinals played with nine players in the box at times, and made it difficult on the Wildcat running attack. Still, Austin Moore reeled off some big runs for the Wildcats as he finished 97 yards on the ground on 21 carries.

Quarterback Madden Rutherford hits an open receiver thanks to protection from lineman Brayden White (left) and running back Austin Moore.

“On film this year, they have only shown a 4-3, and in the past they have always been a 4-3 defense, but they came out in a 3-man front, with two outside backers and two safeties over the top and it surprised us a little,” Ebenstein said. “I knew they were going to be ready to go and coach (Phil) Katzenmeier has them ready to go, and well-coached teams like that are tough to beat.”

The Louisburg defense made it tough on Eudora as well. The Wildcats forced four turnovers as Garrett Harding, Kohl Vogel and Will Ridley each recovered a fumble and Blue Caplinger intercepted a pass early in the third quarter.

Doles was also active defensively as he recorded a team-high 11 tackles, while fellow defensive back Christian Tosterud had nine tackles and a forced fumble. Lineman Garrett Lowry added seven stops on the night.

Junior Noah Larson brings down Eudora quarterback Alex Brown for a loss Friday in Eudora.

Late in the fourth quarter, Louisburg put one of its best drives together offensively as it moved the ball down to the 1-yard line with under four minutes left in the contest, but fumbled the snap.

The Wildcat defense held once again and forced a Eudora punt, which led to the game-winning drive and Doles’ touchdown catch.

“Coach just said that it was going to be a backside hitch and that I needed to catch it,” Doles said. “That has been a big emphasis for me because I have dropped some of those in the past.

“It was a very good win. We needed a good bounce back win after what happened last week. When it came down to it, we did our best and it showed on the scoreboard.”

Louisburg will try and make it two in a row this Friday when it travels to Baldwin. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

LOU               7             0             0             7 – 14

EUD               0             7             0             0 – 7

SCORING SUMMARY

First quarter

L: Desmond Doles 40 pass from Madden Rutherford (Drake Varns kick)

Second quarter

E: Elijah Kennedy 17 pass from Alex Brown (Kick good)

Fourth quarter

L: Doles 11 pass from Rutherford (Varns kick)

STATISTICS

RUSHING – Austin Moore 26-97; Madden Rutherford 11-25. Totals: 37-122

PASSING – Madden Rutherford 6-14-137-2

RECEIVING – Brayden Gage 2-68; Desmond Doles 2-51; Austin Moore 2-18

TACKLES – Desmond Doles 11, Christian Tosterud 9, Garrett Lowry 7, Mitchell Drew 5, Blue Caplinger 4, Austin Moore 4, Kiefer Tucker 4, Garrett Harding 4, Noah Larson 4, Will Ridley 3, Brayden Gage 2, Kohl Vogel 1, Michael Waldron 1.