After a strong first half, West Platte couldn’t hold the momentum as the Bluejays’ losing streak hit five against a Class 1 powerhouse.
Hamilton (5-1) — ranked No. 4 in the most recent Class 1 poll — went into halftime tied Friday, Sept. 22 at Rudolph Eskridge Stadium in Weston, Mo., but the Hornets scored 35 unanswered in the second half of a 42-7 victory. West Platte managed just more than 100 yards of offense in the KCI Conference matchup, unable to end the frustrating skid that started with a Week 2 loss to Wellington-Napoleon.
West Platte (1-5) remains winless in KCI play dating back to 2015 with winless Mid-Buchanan coming to town this weekend for homecoming. Despite five straight losses since opening with a win over Class 3 Lincoln Prep, the Bluejays sit at No. 5 in the Class 1 District 7 standings.
Now with just 30 points scored in the past four games, West Platte created a pair of turnovers (interception for Noah Johnson, fumble recovery for Aidan Sullivan) and stayed close for two quarters against Hamilton. A 2-yard touchdown run for Johnson — the starting quarterback — plus the extra point tied the score 7-7 in the second quarter.
The deadlock remained going into halftime, but LaTroy Harper ran for 232 yards and three touchdowns — all three scores in the second half — to help Hamilton pull away.
Johnson completed just 1 of 6 passes for 6 yards while also leading West Platte with 65 yards rushing on 21 attempts. Gavin Davis, a junior running back, added 40 yards, while Bluejays senior wide receiver Grant Eagen caught the lone pass for 6 yards.
West Platte could still make a push in the district standings with Mid-Buchanan (currently No. 8 in the bracket) and Plattsburg (currently No. 3 in the bracket) the next two weeks. Playing the final two weeks on the road, the Bluejays close the regular season with a trip to Class 2 Lawson.