Dylan Zimmerman’s career high four passing touchdowns helped the Platte County football team (2-4) snap a 2-game losing skid with a big 31-26 conference win over Raytown (3-3) on Sept. 30.
The Pirates went into the White Division matchup with four losses in their opening five games – and a 0-1 conference record – but survived the Blue Jays’ late comeback attempt in a much-needed win. Platte County led all but the first 2:28 of the contest but a 12-point second half lead slowly slipped away.
Platte County sophomore Darell Smith (#28) jumps on a pack of players in the Pirates 31-26 win over Raytown as they snapped a 2-game losing skid on Sept. 30.
On a 3rd and 21 with 7:39 left in the third quarter, Zimmerman connected with Chandavian Bradley for a 66-yard score to push the Pirate lead to 24-12. Bradley – who is a defensive lineman – has been playing some offense in recent games and has had a receiving touchdown in three of the last four contests.
Raytown cut the lead to four after a 51-yard passing touchdown and successful 2-point conversion, but Platte County responded with Dayton Doll’s second touchdown reception of the game. Zimmerman found the sophomore wideout for a 22-yard score and the Pirates went up 31-20 with 20 seconds left in the third quarter.
The Blue Jays soared back in the closing minute of regulation, adding six points to the scoreboard with 44 seconds to play. Raytown failed on its 2-point conversion attempt but then recovered the onside kick at the Platte County 48-yard line to have another chance on offense.
The Blue Jays gained two yards on their first play but then threw two straight incompletions. On a 4th and eight with 21 seconds left, Platte County sophomore linebacker Cobe Pollard had the game-sealing sack as he took down Raytown quarterback Nate Whitebear for his second sack of the night.
The Pirates walked away with their first win in three weeks, with the help of the strong start in the first half. Platte County opened the game with a 39-yard pass from Zimmerman to Doll and then led 7-6 after Raytown scored with 9:59 left in the half but failed on the 2-point conversion.
Zimmerman gave the Pirates a larger margin when he tossed an 8-yard touchdown to Dom Spears 1:14 later. Aaron Cordova converted on a 29-yard field goal with less than a minute left to give the Pirates a 17-6 advantage at the break.
Zimmerman completed 12 of his 26 pass attempts for 254 yards and four scores, while Nate Walls rushed 13 times for 52 yards. Spears had a team-high four receptions along with 50 yards and a score while Doll finished with two catches for 61 yards and two touchdowns.
The Pirates have had their struggles early in the year but will look to use this victory as momentum in the back end of the regular season. Platte County will host Belton (3-3) in a White Division matchup on Oct. 7.