Sterling holds off Smith Center 14-6 in Class 1A Sub-state playoff

STERLING, Kan. — The top-seeded Sterling High School Black Bears held off No. 2 Smith Center 14-6 Friday, Nov.21, in the Class 1A West Sub-state round of the Kansas State High School Activities Association Football Championships.

Both teams entered the contest with 11-0 records.

The evening was damp and cold, with winds from the north at 15 mph. Following rains over the past 48 hours, the field was wet but playable. Both teams focused on running the ball.

Sterling received the opening kickoff and moved the ball effectively early in its possession, but progress stalled approaching the red zone. On fourth down, the Black Bears opted to forgo a field goal attempt and were stopped by the Smith Center defense, resulting in a turnover at the 10-yard line. The Redmen advanced down the field on their subsequent possession but also turned the ball over on downs. The first quarter concluded with each team having only one possession.

The second quarter proved more successful for Sterling. On its second possession, the Black Bears ran the ball exclusively, finishing the drive with the first score at 7:46 in the quarter. The extra point was good, giving the Black Bears a 7-0 lead.

Shortly thereafter, bad luck struck Smith Center. After recovering an onside kickoff attempt by Sterling, the Redmen fumbled the ball away to the Black Bears at their own 40-yard line. Sterling completed a pass to the Smith Center 10-yard line, setting up first-and-goal. Three plays later, the Black Bears pushed in their second touchdown, followed by a successful extra point, extending their lead to 14-0.

The second half continued with a heavy emphasis on the run and strong defensive play. Smith Center had the ball first, but its second turnover, a fumble following a pass reception, hampered its efforts. The Sterling offense was unable to gain sufficient yardage on the ensuing series, being forced to go three-and-out. However, Smith Center fumbled for a third time during its subsequent possession.

Again, the Sterling offense went three-and-out, returning the ball to Smith Center. A muffed snap by the Sterling punter resulted in the Redmen getting the ball on the Black Bears' 22-yard line. Smith Center pushed the ball across the goal line for a touchdown as the quarter was drawing to a close. The Redmen failed on a 2-point conversion try, and the third quarter ended with the score 14-6.

The fourth quarter began with Sterling taking possession following the Smith Center score. The Redmen defense held again, forcing the Black Bears to punt. But penalties put the Smith Center offense in a hole, forcing it to return the ball to the Black Bears with about five minutes remaining. Sterling gained a first down, allowing it to control the remaining time. Despite Smith Center using its timeouts to preserve time, Sterling ran out the clock, securing the victory.

Sterling (12-0) will advance to the Class 1A championship game at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, at Gowens Stadium in Hutchinson against the Rossville Bulldogs (11-1).