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Pawnee Heights Tiger breaks state record
Kade Scott scores 14 touchdowns
pawnee heights kade scott
Kade Scott, Pawnee Heights - photo by DALE HOGG Great Bend Tribune

BY THE NUMBERS

Rushing—856

Passing—495

Yards—1,351

TDs—31

Kade Scott—501 yards


BY JIM MISUNAS

jmisunas@gbtribune.com


ROZEL — Pawnee Heights tailback Kade Scott made his mark on the Kansas high school football record book.

Scott scored a state-record 14 touchdowns and rushed for 501 yards to spark Pawnee Heights past Cheylin 118-85 in Thursday’s 6-man state football playoffs.

He delivered the biggest play of the game on a dazzling 50-yard touchdown reception on the final play of the first half. Scott changed directions and used his speed for a score. The Tigers took charge with a 34-7 run that led to a 59-39 lead.

“One play, Kade tweaked his ankle and one of their coaches said ‘we got him hobbling,’ ” said Pawnee Heights coach Jeff Chambers. “Kade heard that, and told me, ‘Give me the ball.’ We gave him the football and Kade cut back and scored a 40-yard touchdown. That score right before half gave us momentum.” 

The 190-pound Scott has rushed for 2,342 yards and scored 53 touchdowns with a combination of power and speed. The Tigers’ offensive front of center Preston Stonebarger and ends Dalton Hamby, Adam Hands, Shawn Peterson and Jackson Henbest provided his blocking.

“Kade is the first guy to credit his line because it’s a team effort,” Chambers said. “Our line did a great job opening holes. If Kade gets past the first line of defense, he’ll win that battle most times.”

The 31/2-hour marathon featured 31 touchdowns, 1,351 offensive yards and 856 yards rushing.

“Our kids played their hearts, but so did Cheylin playing with seven football players,” Chambers said. “It took everything we had to win that ballgame. I know I’ve got more gray hairs than when I started that game.”

The Tigers gained some separation thanks to three short kickoffs recovered by Preston Stonebarger, Kade Scott and Dalton Hamby. Shawn Peterson recovered a fumble. Henbest, Hamby and Peterson also scored Tiger touchdowns.

The Tigers’ unsung hero was senior Logan Williams, who helped slow down the Cougars’ offense at times.

“Logan has come a long way as a football player and played really well,” Chambers said. “He helped plug up their running game up the middle.”

Cheylin quarterback Colton McCarty enjoyed a memorable night with 252 yards rushing and seven touchdowns; 226 yards passing and five touchdowns; and he scored on a 70-yard kickoff return. 

“McCarty is a talented football player. Give him credit because we knew he’d stop and cut back and he still outran our guys,” Chambers said. 

Cheylin coach Chris Walden said it was a special night he’ll always remember.  

“Kade Scott and Colton McCarty were two heavyweight boxers, going punch-for-punch,” Walden said. “When one would break a long touchdown, the other would immediately answer. Scott is one of the best running backs that I’ve seen in recent memory. He could easily play football at the next level. He’s a natural athlete with loads of talent and work ethic.” 

Cheylin’s Andrew Schields and Jacob Serrano each had two touchdowns receiving and Alex Dart had a touchdown reception.

“Hands down that’s the wildest football game I’ve ever been involved in as a player, athletic director or coach,” said Walden. “Hats off to Pawnee Heights, their student athletes and coaches. Cheylin wishes them luck going forward.”

Defending 6-man state champion Pawnee Heights defeated Cheylin 62-12 in last year’s state final at Dodge City.

Pawnee Heights (8-1) plays Weskan in next week’s 6-man state semifinal. The Tigers beat the Coyotes 53-47 in the playoffs and 51-6 during the regular season last year. Weskan defeated Pawnee Heights 36-18 in the 2016 6-man state final and 35-26 in the regular season. 

Cheylin 19 18 22 26 — 85

Pawnee Hts 19 32 27 40 — 118

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING—Cheylin—34-301; Colton McCarty 29-252; Joe Melton 3-52; Andrew Schields 2-(-3); PH—42-555; Kade Scott 32-501; Jackson Henbest 7-42; Trace Baker 2-10; Preston Stonebarger 1-2.

PASSING—C—McCarty 15-36-0, 226; Melton 1-1-0, 10; PH—Braden Colglazier 8-8-0, 186; Scott 5-7-0, 50; Baker 1-2-1, 23.

RECEIVING—C—Jacob Serrano 5-104; Schields 5-62; Alex Dart 5-60; Miguel Gonzalez 1-10; PH—Scott 4-90; Dalton Hamby 2-76; Shawn Peterson 4-55; Henbest 3-31; Baker 1-7.

TACKLES—C—Melton 19; Gonzalez 12; PH—Baker 12; Scott 12

6-MAN STATE PLAYOFFS

Pawnee Heights 118, Cheylin 85

Golden Plains 67, Moscow 33

FRIDAY'S SEMIFINALS

Pawnee Heights 8-1 at Weskan 5-2, 3 p.m.

Golden Plains 7-1 at Ashland 7-0