Central Heights holds off short-handed Eagles

RICHMOND, Kan. -- A short-handed Uniontown squad with just 22 players dressed out fought back to give Central Heights a game Thursday night. But the Vikings held on for a 24-22 victory that put them into the Class 3A playoffs and ended the Eagles' season.

"Several kids had to play new positions and adapt on the fly," Uniontown head coach Chad Stroud said. "Offensively, we had two good drives the first half, but one missed assignment here or there killed those drives deep in Central Heights territory." The Vikings (2-1 District 4, 3-6 overall) drove 80 yards to score near the end of the first half to make it a 16-0 game, which Stroud said took some of the wind out of the Eagles' sails.

"But to our kids' credit, they bounced back the second half," Stroud said. "Down 16-0, they fought back and made it a ballgame. I was incredibly proud of our kids tonight." Zach Travis completed nine of 22 passes for 137 yards while also rushing for a team high 59 yards. Seth Sympson hauled in both of Travis' touchdown passes.

Trenton Miller added 41 rushing yards and 24 receiving yards. Sympson caught seven passes for 103 yards.

Max Labbe led the defense with 13 tackles while Ty Clayton had 12, Brenton Esslinger nine and Miller eight. Clayton also had an interception.

Uniontown's season ended with a 2-7 record.