Marysville, KS

Holton (4-2) walked into Marysville knowing how important this game was following their loss last Friday to Sabetha 35-13. With district positioning on the line, Holton came in sitting in the fourth spot, while Marysville (6-0) sitting atop. That all changed 2 ½ hours after kickoff. Holton dominated Marysville in every aspect of the game and came away with a 30-8 victory.

Holton would stall on their opening drive deep in Bulldog territory, and it seemed as if Holton was in danger of having a repeat performance of the week prior. Tonight, however, Holton's defense played larger than life. Forcing a quick three and out, Holton would take their second offensive possession deep into Bulldog territory once again, this time punching it in (Konnor Tannahill 7yard run) with the game's first touchdown early in the second quarter. Following an exchange of possessions and a wildcat drive that ate up over 6 minutes of game time, Holton had a fourth and goal at the 2 with :05 left in the second quarter. They would not be denied as Tannhill scored his second touchdown, taking a 14-0 lead into halftime.

Marysville woke up in the third quarter, forcing a quick three and out and getting the ball for their first possession of the second half. Taking it 64 yards, Senior Quarterback Brandon Schroedl found Jonny Crome for a 44 yards touchdown, the two point try was successful to bring the 'Dawgs within 14-8. That was the closest they would be the rest of the game.

Holton would take the ensuing drive right down the field but would stall on the 9 yard line. An attempted field goal was missed and Marysville felt the momentum swing. On the next Bulldog drive, a pivotal third and five came up and Senior linebacker Kolby Roush sacked Schroedl for a loss of 10 yards forcing a Marysville punt and Holton would use this as an opportunity to take momentum for good.

The Wildcats blocked the punt which rolled through the back of the end zone for a safety to put the 'Cats up 16-8. Holton would take the free kick right down the field and punch in another touchdown run, this time by Senior running back Taygen Fletcher, two point conversion successful and Holton led 24-8. The ensuing Marysville drive would stall once again and Holton would march down the field, cementing the game with one more touchdown from Tannahill to lead 30-8.

In a late game attempt, Marysville would heave a fourth and fifteen pass that found Holton's Roush to seal the game. The only turnover in the ball game. Holton was led by Tannahill with 129 yards and three touchdowns, Canon Karn chipped in with 99 yards and Fletcher with 68 yards and one touchdown. Holton's offense has rushed for over 300 yards in every win this season with 340+ against Marysville while their defense held Marysville under half of their season average with only 160 yards of total offense. The Bulldogs were led by Patrick Smith with 30 yards on the ground and Schroedl only completing 7 of his 15 attempts.

Holton, now 5-2 (3-1 in district 4) will have the inside track to winning the district as they sit tied atop the standings with Wamego (3-1 in district 4), their opponent in week 8 at home.

Marysville 6-1 (3-1 in district 4) will try to rebound at Hiawatha next week.

Go to www.citylinktv.com/channel/holton to rewatch this game and all Holton Wildcat varsity athletics.