Coming off an emotional loss to their rivals in the final minute last week, West Platte looked to rebound against KCI foe Hamilton in conference road game, but the Hornets had other plans in their 50-13 victory on Friday, Oct. 5 at J.C. Penney High School in Hamilton, Mo.

The Hornets (5-2, 3-2 KCI) used a first quarter safety to jumpstart the scoring and outscored the Blue Jays 36-7 in the first half, putting the game out of reach.

Since dropping to 2-2 after a 78-6 home loss to KCI-leading Lathrop, the Hornets have won three straight games. The previous two came on the road, beating Mid-Buchanan (29-27) and Plattsburg (42-6).

The Bluejays (1-6, 0-5 KCI) have dropped six straight since their season-opening 46-0 shutout victory over Lone Jack. The Bluejays came from behind last week against North Platte, but were unable to stop the Panthers from emerging victorious, 18-14.

The Hornets got a safety and a four-yard TD run by sophomore Sawyer Morrow, who rushed 22 times for 103 yards and three touchdowns, giving the Hornets a 9-0 lead before the Blue Jays got on the board.

West Platte got an 11-yard scoring scamper from senior Gavin Davis and he added the extra-point attempt, pulling the Bluejays within 9-7.

The Hornets added two more scores, a 3-yard run by Morrow and junior quarterback Ryan Cook rushed for 34 yards. Morrow added the extra point for a 22-7 Hornets lead at the end of the first quarter.

Morrow had another 3-yard touchdown run for Hamilton and senior tight end Cale Whitt snagged a 58-yard strike from Cook for the final score of the first half giving the Hornets a 36-7 lead.

Whitt had four grabs for 107 yards, while Cook passed for 148 on 6-of-7 attempts. The quarterback added 92 yards on the ground.

Whitt intercepted a pass from Bluejays quarterback Luke Heilli and took it 36 yards for a defensive score and Morrow tacked on the extra point in the third quarter, expanding the lead for Hamilton.

The Hornets collected their final score on a 7-yard rush by Derek Aikin.

West Platte got a late touchdown from Ryan Borylo on a 7-yard run, but the conversion attempt pass from Heili came up short. Heili, filling in for Noah Johnson, went 3-for-14 for 20 yards and a pair of interceptions. On the ground, he for a team-high 79 yards on 11 carries.

Defensive, Brayden Cogan, Heili and Mason Montez all had a fumble recovery, while Hunter Hendricks hauled in an interception.

Looking ahead

The Bluejays hit the road next week to face Mid-Buchanan, coached by Aaron Fritz, which enters the game 4-3 and 2-3 in KCI play after winning their last game 47-7 at home against Plattsburg.

Last season, the Dragons won 19-17 in Weston and 45-29 two seasons ago in Faucett, giving them a two-game winning streak in the series.

The Bluejays and Dragons kick-ff at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 13 at Mid-Buchanan High School in Faucett, Mo.