BUFFALO – A strong, talented Marais Des Cygnes Valley team stormed into Frank Kennedy Field last Friday and controlled play against Altoona-Midway High School, claiming a 54-6 decision over the Jets in a Kansas 6-Man football contest that ended in the third quarter.
“Hats off to MDCV. They out-weighed us about 50 pounds per player on the front line, and they used that to their advantage,” said AMHS head coach Tod Dutton. “But I was proud of the effort our Jets put in. Despite the score, we improved on several things.”
Marais Des Cygnes Valley moved to 3-1 on the year, while Altoona-Midway fell to 0-3.
The lopsided loss was in stark contrast to the first two AMHS games this year, when the Jets led in the third period of both contests before finally succumbing.
Altoona-Midway will get a chance to avenge one of those losses this Friday (Oct. 3), when Southern Coffey County invades Frank Kennedy Field.
Two weeks ago, the Jets controlled play the first two quarters and led SCC 18-12 at halftime before the Titans rallied for a 40-18 victory.
Friday’s rematch will also be Homecoming for Altoona-Midway. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.
Marais Des Cygnes Valley set the tone early, intercepting a Jet passing attempt on the first play from scrimmage. By the time dust had settled after one period, the Trojans held a 21-0 advantage.
“Despite those scores, it wasn’t easy for them,” Dutton claimed. “Our six boys put up a good fight.”
In the second stanza, AM senior Kage Beck raced 58 yards on a kickoff return for the only Jet points of the night. But the rest of the period was all MDCV as they built a 40-6 lead at intermission.
Two more Trojan scores in the third quarter made it 54-6 and the game was called due to the mercy rule.
“Another bright spot was the blocking on Kage’s kickoff return that allowed him to score,” Dutton noted. “Also, Caden Sicka had a 47-yard pass to Zach Good, and senior Kenny Smith had a fumble recovery.”
Dutton was proud of the effort put forth by the Jets, and appreciated the support of the home crowd.
As for Friday’s Homecoming and the rematch with the Titans, Dutton said, “We look forward to the opportunity and hope to avenge that earlier loss to SCC.”