The Madison Bulldogs overcame an early deficit to dethrone the reigning 8-man Division I champions Canton Galva 34-24 Friday night.
Madison would open the scoring 12 seconds into the game off a 75-yard kickoff return by sophomore Bryson Turner to take an early 6-0 lead. Canton would respond with 18 unanswered points to take an 18-6 lead into the second quarter before a pick-six by junior Drew Stutesman would put the Bulldogs back in the game.
Canton would take a 24-20 lead into the half before being shutout entirely in the second as Madison would add two scores to secure the win and break the Eagle’s 23 game unbeaten streak.
Madison’s defense would force six turnovers in the game including Stutseman’s pick-six in the first. Stutesman says they knew whichever team had the most heart would come out victorious.
With the victory, Madison avenges their 46-6 loss to Canton in the sub-state championship last year that ended their season. Head Coach Alex McMillian says it was an emotional victory.
Madison now advances to the sub-state championship where they will face Little River next Friday.
Little River out scored Chase County 70-26.
Chase County ends their season with a 8-3 record.
Canton-Galva was not the only defending state champion to lose Friday night.
Lyndon defeated Centralia, the defending 1A State Champion 26-14.
That win also avenged an earlier season loss.
Lyndon will play Olpe in the Sub-state game at Olpe next Friday.
Frankfort out scored Lebo 46-40.
Lebo finishes their season with a 10-1 record.
Nemaha Central slipped past Osage City 7-0.
Osage City finishes their season with a 9-2 record.
