West Platte got back in the win column in the season opener with a 20-0 victory against Lone Jack on Friday, Aug. 30.
That snapped a 9-game losing streak, which dated back to last year’s season opener vs. Lone Jack.
“It feels good,” West Platte coach Paul Thomas said of the win. “We played real well.”
The Bluejays set the tone early when Trent Taylor returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown that spanned 84 yards.
Thomas noted the field was soaked with 5 1/2 inches of rain the night prior, making footing and traction tough.
West Platte made it 8-0 after the opening score when quarterback Luke Heili hit Brayden Cogan on the conversion.
Heili made it 14-0 in the first when he scored on a 1-yard keeper.
That score maintained until halftime.
The Bluejays scored the final points on a 2-yard keeper by Heili. The junior ran for 73 yards on 13 totes and had another 46 passing.
The Bluejays finished with 191 yards on the ground. Brandon James had a team-high 102 yards rushing.
“We had no turnovers,” Thomas said. “We held onto the ball and played well.”
The West Platte defense created two turnovers. Trent Holmes had an interception and Emmitt Sullivan recovered a fumble. That turnover was caused by a sack and forced fumble by Nathan Montez. Austin Cass also had a sack for West Platte.
Lone Jack was limited to 46 yards on 42 carries. The Mules’ run game had 37 yards on 22 carries.
Cogan and Jacob Brown led the Bluejays in tackles.
West Platte plays at home on Friday, Sept. 6, hosting South Harrison in a KCI Conference vs. Grand River Conference crossover game. The Bulldogs defeated East Buchanan, 22-18, in Week 1.
South Harrison won last year’s meeting, 30-26.