CIMARRON — The Larned High School Indians moved their unblemished record to 5-0 on Friday night as they controlled the second half in a 33-23 victory over the Cimarron Bluejays, who fall to 3-2 on the season.
Trailing 16-12 at halftime, the Indians took control of a seesaw game by pounding the Bluejays with a powerful running attack that produced 315 yards for the game. It was a game of contrasts however, as Larned had trouble handling the Bluejays’ potent passing attack, yielding 315 yards.
The game started out looking like Larned would run Cimarron out of town as they scored on their first possession of the game for the fifth straight time this season.
Taking the opening kickoff, the Indians’ Jeromy Bartz broke free on the third play of the game and rambled 75 yards for a touchdown.
Michael Reece, who was perfect in the kicking game, toed the extra point against a 35-mph wind that plagued both teams all evening.
Larned stopped Cimarron on its first possession and immediately drove the ball down to the 10-yard line, but the Bluejays stiffened and kept the Indians out of the end zone.
With 6:08 remaining in the first quarter, Caleb Fischer hit wide receiver A.J. Cooper for a 70-yard touchdown pass and following a 2-point conversion, the Bluejays suddenly led in a game that had been dominated by Larned to that point.
With 47 seconds left in the first quarter, Christian Fischer gathered in a 16-yard pass for a touchdown and moved the Bluejay lead out to 16-7.
The Indians countered with a safety and a 32-yard field goal by Reece to regain some momentum, trailing at halftime 16-12.
The Indians took control in the third quarter with a punishing running game that produced two touchdowns, and more importantly, controlled the clock and kept the potent passing attack of Cimarron on the sideline.
A 13-yard reception for a touchdown by Brayden Smith and a 21-yard scamper by Landon Erway moved the Indians to a 33-16 lead with 8:45 to play in the game and the Indians held on for the victory.
The game was marred by numerous penalties by both teams as Larned was penalized 104 yards and Cimarron 90. The penalties occurred at key times both for and against both teams, but Larned proved to be more adept at overcoming the setbacks.
The 5-0 record assures Larned of its’ first winning season in 15 years as it moves its thoughts to a game with Hoisington next Friday on the road.
The winner of that game will claim the league championship in this, the final year of the Mid-Central Activities Association. Both Larned and Hoisington will move into the Central Kansas League next year.