The Chase County Bulldogs saw a 40-30 halftime lead slip way in the second half of their regional game against Central Plains Friday night at Ron Mayo Field in Cottonwood Falls.
Central Plains outscored Chase County 28-12 in the second half en route to a 58-52 victory over the Bulldogs.
Both teams answered each other’s drives in the first quarter. Trailing 6-0, Wyatt Griffin found Luke Budke for a 64-yard touchdown reception with 5:28 to play in the first quarter. After a Central Plains fumble, Chase County capitalized with Griffin finding Landon Doty for a 21-yard touchdown reception making it 12-6. Central Plains scored late in the first quarter for a 14-12 lead. Chase County scored on the first play of the second quarter with Griffin scoring on a 25-yard run making it 18-14. Central Plains took a brief 22-18 advantage before Chase County scored 14 straight on a pair of Griffin touchdown runs of five and one yard. Central Plains pulled within two late in the first half before Griffin responded with a 47-yard touchdown run giving the Bulldogs a 40-30 lead at halftime.
Central Plains pulled within two with the lone score of the third quarter. Chase County extended its lead at the start of the fourth quarter with a 24-yard touchdown by Budke making it 46-38. Central Plains then scored 22 straight to take a 58-46 lead with 5:11 to play with the Bulldogs getting one last touchdown from Griffin, a 21-yard touchdown run with 3:03 remaining.
Griffin accounted forr all seven touchdowns scored by the Bulldogs with two passing and five rushing. Griffin had 169 yards rushing and 176 passing.
Chase County coach Derick Budke said the game down to a few key plays.
Chase County finishes its season with a 7-3 record.
Other area scores
Burlingame 36, Hanover 24. Burlingame will face Frankfort at a site to be determined.
Osage City 14, St. Mary’s 0. Osage City will host Nemaha Central.
Madison 14, Ell-Saline 12. Madison will host Clifton-Clyde.
Osborne 44, Lebo 8. Lebo’s season ends at 7-3.
Council Grove 30, Silver Lake 8. Council Grove will travel to Humboldt.
