West Falls to South
Posted by GSDispatch Editor in by Mike Evans, Sports
Junior Austin Panko (17) drops a pass on the first drive for the Titans. The following pass was intercepted by the Jaguars.
West turnovers and big offensive plays by Blue Springs South were the story as the Jaguars buried the Lee’s Summit West Titans, 41-17, under the lights at Blue Springs South Stadium.
Senior WR Josh Jackman (15) prepares to make contact after a reception.
The game started out with the two teams exchanging touchdowns, and it appeared as if the game would develop into the back-and-forth slugfest that many expected. But after West tied the game at 7 after a four yard touchdown run by Marcus Strickland, the Jaguars struck back with two big plays: the first a 63 yard touchdown completion from quarterback Calvin Jacobson to receiver Blake Horne, the second a 95 yard score by running back Chris Gilyard on first down after an effective West punt, to take a 21-7 lead. West closed the first half with a 34 yard field goal by Brad Clements to close the gap to 21-10.
Senior defensive back Cody Whipple (19) intercepts a Luke Knott pass in the first quarter. It was the first of 3 turnovers that cost West the game.
But the Jaguars set the tone for the rest of the game after taking the ball to open the second half and marching 69 yards in 4 plays, capping things off with a 13 yard touchdown run by junior RB Steven Sullivan. West demonstrated great character in answering the Jaguars’ score with a touchdown drive of their own with a two yard score by Darnay Sessions to bring the score to 27-17. The Titans then held the Jaguars to a three-and-out possession, but on the ensuing West drive, quarterback Luke Knott and Sessions botched an attempted Statue of Liberty play on third down. The Jags recovered the miscue at the West 38 and made the Titans pay for their mistake with a quick score, a 12 yard run by Donnell Alexander.
South moves their record to 3-1 and looks forward to a big matchup with Raymore-Peculiar next week, while the Titans fall to 2-1 and will host Winnetonka on Saturday for their Homecoming game.
Additional game photos can be found on the Dispatch Facebook Page.
Mike Evans is a husband, father, pastor and local sports enthusiast who enjoys covering high school sports for the Dispatch. In his spare time he is involved in leading the launch of a new church in South Lee’s Summit. Discover Church will start on November 7 at Summit Lakes Middle School.
