MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis scored the game-winning touchdown with 19 seconds left to stun Hoisington High 17-14 Saturday in the Class 3A football playoffs. Hoisington finishes with a 9-2 record as co-champion of the Central Kansas League West Division.
Gage Mortimer was ruled barely inbounds and caught an 11-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Eric Yoxall on the game-winning drive. The Lions earned a valuable first down on a late pass interference penalty on an overthrown pass in the endzone.
The Cardinals led 14-3 when Cameron Davis recovered a fumble in the endzone on Steffan Dolechek’s 86-yard reception from Tyler Specht. Sprecht passed for 115 yards on four completions.
But the Lions rallied from the deficit and scored a touchdown to slice the deficit to 17-14 after converting a 2-point play. The key play was a 32-yard reception to quarterback Yoxall from wide receiver Josh Macy.
Hunter Hanzlick scored his 21st touchdown of the season on a 3-yard score after a 17-play Cardinal drive for a 7-3 halftime lead. Hanzlick was limited to 31 yards rushing on 14 attempts. The Cardinals rushed for 113 yards.
Yoxall converted a 23-yard first-half field goal for the Lions. The Lions finished with 83 yards rushing and 156 yards passing.
Minneapolis (8-3) will play Halstead (9-2) at home in Friday’s Class 3A quarterfinals.