Two costly turnovers kept the Platte County football team (1-3) from reaching .500 when Grain Valley (2-2) went up early and never trailed to come out on top 24-14 on September 16.
Platte County junior quarterback Dylan Zimmerman had a career day with 313 passing yards and one touchdown but was responsible for both of the Pirate turnovers. The Eagles scored on an 18-yard rush in the opening quarter and added to the lead with an 88-yard pick six in the second quarter.
The Pirates got the ball at their own 20-yard line with 2:28 to play in the first quarter following the opening score and trailing 7-0. Platte County reached the red zone in nine plays, but Zimmerman’s pass on two snaps later was intercepted at the 12-yard line and taken the distance.
The Pirates responded with a quick scoring drive, finding the end zone in six plays after moving the ball 92 total yards. Zimmerman connected with Brennan Rich for a 60-yard passing touchdown with 7:57 left in the half.
Grain Valley and Platte County both matched rushing touchdowns in a 2:21 stint in the second quarter, including a 7-yard run by Nate Walls with 2:45 remaining. The Eagles took a 24-14 lead at the break.
The second half was a defensive battle, with only three points being scored when the Eagles converted on a 48-yard field goal with 1:48 to play in the third quarter. Grain Valley originally attempted and missed a 54-yard try but a running into the kicker penalty by the Pirates gave the Eagles another try and they took advantage of the opportunity.
Platte County quarterback Dylan Zimmerman completed 25 of 43 passes for 309 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions against Grain Valley on Sept. 16.
Platte County marched down the field and appeared to find the end zone on a 13-yard pass from Zimmerman to Dayton Doll, but the officials ruled the senior out-of-bounds, so the touchdown didn’t count. Aaron Cordova – the Pirate kicker – was inactive, so Platte County went for it on 4th and goal from the 13-yard line and failed to convert with 9:31 left in regulation.
The Pirate defense forced an Eagle punt and then the offense had another touchdown that didn’t count when a block in the back play negated the score with 4:40 left. Zimmerman connected with Tristan Magnuson on an 18-yard pass when the wideout fumbled and Chandavian Bradley picked the ball up and took it into the end zone.
On the next play from scrimmage, Zimmerman’s pass was intercepted at the Grain Valley 12-yard line and the Eagles eventually ran the clock out on offense. Dawsen Mizell impressed in his return from injury, bringing in eight receptions for 71 yards to lead the team vertically.
The Eagles outgained the Pirates 403 to 361 total yards of offense, but Grain Valley only had 63 yards in the air. Platte County will look to take down unbeaten Oak Park (4-0) on the road on September 23.