Bulldogs Fall to Pirates on Senior Night

The Platte County Pirates made the trek to Kearney, Missouri Friday evening for the annual 92 Highway Showdown. This year, the match-up would feature two teams who were both coming off impressive week one victories.

In first quarter action, the Bulldogs moved down to the 24 yard line, but were faced with a short 4th-and-1. The Bulldogs were unable to convert and the Pirates were able to put together a 13-second scoring drive, which culminated in an 11 yard Cayden Davis touchdown run.

Carson Frakes intercepted a Ruhnke pass in the endzone with 41 seconds left in the first half

Less than three minutes later, the Pirates marched down the field again, scoring on a nicely executed fade pass from quarterback Christopher Ruhnke, connecting with Joey Schultz in the end zone. The Pirates were ahead 14-0 in the first quarter.

Early in the second quarter, the Bulldogs were able to score when Meinert, who was in a quarterback, tossed to Acosta, who then threw a 35 yard touchdown strike to Hayden Douglas. The Bulldogs were on the board, with the score 14-7.

The Pirates responded immediately, however, when Ruhnke completed a 44 yard touchdown pass to Cole Rhoden. The Pirates were back up 21-7.

As the first quarter was coming to a close, the Pirates offense was on the move again. They were strategically working the clock in an attempt to score as time expired leading into the half. The plan was foiled, however, when Carson Frakes intercepted a Ruhnke pass in the endzone with 41 seconds left on the clock. The Pirates would take a 21-7 lead into the half.

The second half opened with a bang when the Bulldogs (who won the toss at the beginning of the game and chose to defer possession to the second half) made the best of it. Luke Noland received the kick at the 9 yard line and was able to break free for a 91 yard kickoff return for a touchdown. The Bulldogs were right back in the game, trailing 21-14.

Once again, the Pirates were quick to respond, as they were able to put together a 60-yard scoring drive which ended in a 1 yard touchdown run by Cayden Davis. The Pirates were starting to pull away as their lead improved to 28-14.

Late in the third quarter, Ruhnke was able to once again connect with Joey Schultz for a 10 yard touchdown pass, increasing the Pirate lead to 35-14.

There would be no scoring in the 4th quarter, and the Platte County Pirates were able to retain their 92 Highway Showdown Title with the 35-14 victory over the Kearney Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs take to the road next week as they travel to Smithville to take on the 1-1 Warriors, who are coming off a 35-0 win over William Chrisman Friday night.

KPGZ Sports – Jim Dickerson contributed to this story