Wildcats get revenge, edge Hesston in OT
One year ago the Hesston Swathers placed the only blemish on Marion Middle School's seventh grade football team's 6-1 record.
MMS eighth grade team returned the favor Thursday with a 20-18 overtime road victory to finish the season 6-1.
The Wildcats used the entire first quarter and one play into the second quarter on their opening drive. Running back Nick Klenda finally scored from six yards out. The two-point conversion was no good but Marion led 6-0.
Neither team scored in the second quarter and the Wildcats led by six at the half.
Cody Wildin hooked up Eric Vogel for a touchdown pass in the second half and the teams were tied at 12 at the end of regulation.
After scoring in overtime, Isaac Hett connected with Mitchell Cady for a two-point conversion pass to give the Wildcats a victory.
Klenda led the Wildcats on the ground with 103 yards in 19 carries, and Drew Maddox added 44, behind another strong effort from the offensive line.
Klenda also led the defense with 10 tackles. Vogel recorded nine tackles, Dillon Wildin had seven, and Sheldon Boone chipped in with five.
The seventh grade team had a tougher time, falling to Hesston 18-6.
Quarterback Matt Sprowls scored the lone touchdown for MMS, and gained 103 yards in nine carries for the game.
Les Riggs added 57 yards on the ground.
Riggs and Sprowls both had a team-high eight tackles each.
The games were the last of the season for Marion.
