by Jeremy Benson, GrandRiverConference.com
Sponsored by
St. Joseph Christian 28 #10 Stanberry 8
From 2019 to 2022, St. Joseph Christian had a record of 1-33. They were picked to finish last in the Grand River Conference West. No one outside of the St. Joseph Christian gave them much of a chance this season. However, inside the program, there was some optimism that they had some winnable games, and if things fell into place, a winning season was possible. A 6th win on Friday would guarantee the Lions a winning season for the first time since 2016.
In the Lion's way was the #10 Stanberry Bulldogs. Stanberry had won their last four games against St. Joseph Christian and was 6-2 coming into the game. However, they were missing quarterback Colby McQuinn and running back Tucker Schieber. But even without both players, the Bulldogs were still able to shut out North Andrew 38-0 the week before.
The Lions were able to get on the board with a drive over five minutes to start the game. Cy Carlson ran it in from 4 yards out to put St. Joseph Christian up 6-0 with 6:44 left. After Aiden Martindale recovered a fumble for the Lions, they would capitalize again when Peyton Hausman scored on a 9-yard touchdown run with 2:57 left in the first quarter. The Lions ended the first quarter with a 12-0 lead.
The second and third quarters were dominated by defense. Both teams recovered fumbles in the second, and then Stanberry's Colby McQueen intercepted Levi Miller. Stanberry was able to move the ball inside the Lion's 5-yard line but was unable to convert when they turned it over on downs at the 7-yard line with 7 seconds left in the half.
In the third quarter, Peyton Hausman had a 40-yard TD reception but was called back due to an illegal block. Stanberry got into the red zone but turned it over on downs. St. Joseph Christian's lead remained at 12-0 after three quarters.
The Lions would score again early in the 4th when Hausman scored from a yard out with 10:59 left in the game. After the conversion, the Lions were up 20-0. Stanberry got on the scoreboard when McQueen connected with Treston Williams from 7 yards. After a successful conversion, it was 20-8 St. Joseph Christian with 7:59 left.
Stanberry's still had some hope just under 3 minutes left when St. Joseph Christian had a 4th and 5 from the Stanberry 17-yard line. But Mason Stewart found Vail Freuchting open, and Freuchting took it in for the score to make it 28-8 after the conversion with 2:40 left in the game.
A Martindale interception with 2:34 left sealed the game. Both teams finish the regular season at 6-3 and 4-3 in conference, tied for 3rd place.
St. Joseph Chrisitan earned the #2 seed in District 5 and will host Bishop LeBlond on November 3. Stanberry earned the #4 seed in District 7 and will host King City on October 27.
I caught up with both coaches after the game on the GRC Podcast:
Here are photos of the game including photos of Senior Night for Stanberry:
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