RAYTOWN – Coming off back-to-back 21-point losses, the Platte County football team (4-2) had a big second half against Raytown (1-5) to get another tally in the win column, 35-12, on Sept. 29.
It only took 44 seconds and two plays for Raytown to get on the board, following a big kick return. Platte County struggled to move the ball offensively early, having several drives end with a punt.
Midway through the second quarter, the Pirates turned the ball over on downs but ended up getting better field position on their next offensive series as the Blue Jays bobbled a punt four plays later. Rocco Marriott capitalized on the opportunity, tossing a 16-yard touchdown pass to Tres Baskerville with 1:31 left in the first half to put his team up 7-6.
Raytown had two more possessions in the first half, both ending with interceptions. Jordan Burnett and Ayden Watts picked off a pair of passes and the Pirates went into the locker room with a minor lead.
The Blue Jays attempted an onside kick to start the second half but were unable to recover and the Pirates had favorable field position. A big 3rd down conversion on a pass from Marriott to Dawsen Mizell led to a 9-yard touchdown rush by Adam Gisler to extend the lead to 14-6 with 9:54 left in the third quarter.
Raytown had another three-and-out that resulted in a bobbled snap by the punter, giving Platte County favorable field position once again. Marriott threw another touchdown pass – this time to Lane Webb for 28 yards – with 8:29 on the clock.
The scoring surge continued, but this time it was for the Blue Jays with right under six minutes left. The Blue Jays came down with a tipped ball and took it 34 yards, cutting the lead down to 21-12.
Both teams slowed down offensively after that, but Marriott put the game out of reach with his third touchdown pass of the night with 5:56 left in the game. The sophomore connected with Brooks Hall for 17 yards.
Burnett came away with his second interception of the night on the next series, taking it the distance and scoring his first career touchdown from 27 yards out. Ty Christopher also picked off a pass on the night.
Gisler erupted for 146 yards and a touchdown on the ground and Marriott tossed for three scores and 157 yards. Platte County walked away with a 35-12 victory and will look to keep the momentum going next week at Belton (4-2) on Oct. 6.