The Jefferson County North Chargers entered their matchup with McLouth Friday night knowing they needed a win to get into the Class 2-1A playoffs.

Despite a slow start the Chargers did just that, dominating the Bulldogs rushing for 322 yards in a 44-20 win in McLouth claiming the second playoff spot of district one.

In the process, the Chargers also wrapped up the Northeast Kansas League title which is the first league football title for JCN since 2001.

The Bulldogs also had a chance to make the playoffs needing a win by nine or more points to get in and things couldn’t have started better for McLouth (4-5 overall).

After the opening kickoff pinned the Chargers (8-1 overall) inside their own 10 yard line, a snap on a punt attempt sailed through the end zone resulting in a safety and a 2-0 lead for the Bulldogs just over a minute into the game.

But that didn’t faze the Chargers as they were able to recover the ensuing kickoff in McLouth territory. After a 34-yard run by junior quarterback Boston Lane, he punched in the Chargers first score from a yard out and hit Joel Abel for the 2-point conversion and an 8-2 lead.

Lane would account for two more scores in the half, both on passes to senior Brysen Weishaar, giving the Chargers a 22-2 lead late in the half.

It was the Bulldogs though that took the momentum into the half.

Sophomore Jeremy Carlton returned a kick 45 yards with 45 seconds remaining to start the Bulldogs with great field position. Then, after a hook-and-ladder and pair of short pass plays, Carlton connected with senior receiver Tanner Zink for a 5-yard touchdown pass on the final play of the second quarter.

The Chargers didn’t let McLouth keep momentum out of halftime and forced a three-and-out on the Bulldogs first possession.

The ensuing JCN offensive drive was all Samuel Larson as the junior racked up a 40-yard run before scoring a 1-yard touchdown.

Larson then picked off a Carlton pass and took it back to the house and Caden Worthington followed that up with an 8-yard touchdown run to give the Chargers a commanding 44-8 lead after three quarters.

McLouth was able to tack on two scores late on touchdown passes from Carlton, who finished 15 of 19 passing for 164 yards and three touchdowns.

JCN finished with three players over 75 yards rushing as Lane racked up 79 yards on 19 carries, Larson 107 yards on 16 carries and Anthony Cahill 111 yards on 11 rushes.

The Chargers now get set for a road matchup at District 2 champion Washington County (7-2) next Friday after the Tigers took down Valley Heights Friday night.