🏈Redmen survive late threat, outlast Moundridge to reach 1A semifinals

By GARRETT WELLBROCK
Hays Post Sports

SMITH CENTER — #5 Smith Center leaned on its power running game and a 97-yard go-ahead drive in the fourth quarter to outlast Moundridge 22-14 on Friday night in a 1A sectional playoff matchup, advancing to the state semifinals and moving to 11-0 on the season.

Moundridge (8-3) struck first after forcing a three-and-out on the opening possession. Quarterback Kaizer Kanitz broke free for a 39-yard gain, then scored on the next play from 16 yards out to put the Wildcats up 7-0 with 9:01 left in the first quarter. Smith Center responded with its signature ball control, marching 18 plays for 80 yards before quarterback Parker Hutchinson powered in from five yards out. The Redmen added the two-point conversion to take an 8-7 lead with one second left in the opening period.

Smith Center held the ball for 21 plays in the first quarter, while Moundridge ran just three—yet the Wildcats trailed by only one.

Early in the second, senior fullback Brant Wilson broke loose for a 61-yard touchdown to extend Smith Center’s lead to 14-7. Moundridge’s defense then settled in, forcing a fumble and two punts, but the Wildcats couldn’t convert, turning it over on downs twice. At halftime, Smith Center maintained its seven-point lead despite being outplayed in time of possession.

Moundridge opened the third quarter with its most methodical drive of the night, going 16 plays for 85 yards and tying the game on a 10-yard touchdown run by Paul Grill. The Redmen mustered only 30 yards in the quarter as momentum swung toward the Wildcats.

Pinned at their own 3-yard line in the middle of the fourth, Smith Center delivered the defining sequence of the game. Hutchinson engineered a 10-play, 97-yard drive, capping it with an 8-yard touchdown run and adding the two-point conversion for a 22-14 lead with 1:50 remaining.

Moundridge mounted one final push, moving 57 yards in 12 plays to the Smith Center 14-yard line. With one second left, Kanitz’s final pass fell incomplete, sealing the Redmen’s return to the 1A semifinals.

Smith Center finished with 295 total yards, including 261 on the ground. Hutchinson rushed for 111 yards and two scores while throwing for 34 yards. Wilson added 103 yards and a touchdown. Moundridge totaled 286 yards, led by Kanitz’s 216 yards of offense and Grill’s 72 yards from scrimmage.

Smith Center will play next week at #2 Sterling for a spot in the 1A state championship game.