Hutchinson, KS

Saturday was the final game of the 2019 High School football season across the state, and also the final game for five seniors on Perry Lecompton's squad. Perry took the field for only their second state championship game in school history. Across the field was their opponent, Andale, who was playing in their second state championship game in three years. Andale would grab their fourth state title in school history, defeating Perry 35-7.

Andale wasted absolutely no time to get the scoring started. Taking just thirteen seconds off the clock, Senior running back Eli Rowland bolted for a 72 yard touchdown to put Andale up 7-0. It seemed as if it was shock and awe for anyone wearing the blue and white, but 19 year head coach Mike Paramore's team settled in defensively, halting Andale's next three offensive possessions. Each team would exchange three punts each before Andale found themselves at the Perry 1 yards line on fourth and goal. Senior Quarterback Easton Hunter went up and over the offensive line to score and put Andale up 14-0 heading into halftime.

A Perry defense that allowed just 16 points per game this season facing off against an Andale offense that explodes for 50 points per game were caught in a battle with adjustments being made at halftime. The wind continued to be a factor in this game. A stiff breeze coming in from the west, sustained at 35-40MPH for the duration of this game. With the grandstand being on the west side of the field, this forced the wind to become more of a “swirling” wind on the field. Perry's offense would struggle in the first half, with just 73 total yards, no score and no plays in enemy territory. That trend would continue into the second half.

Perry took the opening second half kick and would go three-and-out. On fourth down, Junior Parker Stone went back to kick and the punt was partially blocked setting up Andale with great field position at Perry's 35 yard line. Andale would waste no time on 7 plays capped with a Mac Brand 2 yard touchdown run the Indians went up 21-0. The teams would exchange a punt each throughout the middle portion of the third quarter when the Kaws finally got the ball back under 2:00 left in the third quarter.

Perry would take advantage of the poor punt from Andale and set up shop at the Indian 37 yard line. Just 5 plays later and Perry got on the board on a 3rd & 7 21 yard touchdown strike from Junior quarterback Billy Welch to Senior wide receiver Grant Roush to bring the Kaws within 21-7. The ensuing possession seemed as the tipping point in the game where all momentum would go either way. The first two plays for Andale picked up a combined 4 yards. Facing a 3rd and 6 from their own 38 Andales Easton Hunter would strike again, this time faking to a flat route to his left and tossed a bomb to Senior wide receiver Cole Landers up the left sideline for a 62 yard touchdown. That, with 9:30 left in the fourth quarter would be the dagger as the Indians took complete control going up by a 28-7 score. Perry's offensive woes would continue and Andale's Eli Rowland would tack on another touchdown from 17 yards to cap the day for the Indians who roll 35-7.

Perry's rushing game was stymied by the front 4 guys for Andale the entire game which didn't allow much in the passing game for Welch. Perry's season ends with a 3A State Runner-Up plaque and 9-4 record, their best since their 4A State Runner-Up in 2008 when they went 10-4. Coach Paramore will return for his 20th season next year and will bring back an experienced offensive group including Welch, Thad Metcalfe, Dawson Williams, Stone, Wesley Monaghan, Sean Urban, Hayden Robb and Hunter Hess and defensive group in Ryley Besler, Caidon Quinlon, Jaxson Folks, Bradley Robb, Metcalfe, Williams, Monaghan, Urban all led by potential All-State linebacker Hayden Robb.

Keep your eyes on the Kaws in 2020. A team that brings back talent, a great coaching staff, experience and now an appetite to finish the course. This core group has tasted the entree, but have high hopes to devour it in 2020.