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Mustangs Make History

By Maria Torres, Kansas City Star, 11/17/17, 11:45PM CST

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BV North wins in 2 OT, onto first state title game

Mertz, BVN Win, 44-37 in Thriller

Blue Valley North football coach Andy Sims lifted his arms, a Kansas 6A sub-state championship trophy in his hands, and tried to silence a group of frantic high school athletes on Friday night in Stilwell.

The task was difficult. Talc powder floated in the air as the players screamed, celebrating a double overtime 44-37 victory against Blue Valley.

Junior quarterback Graham Mertz emerged from the scrum, and instead of being the first one to quell his excitement, he threw himself into Sims’ outstretched arms.

As the two hugged, the team began to settle in the background. The Mustangs assembled long enough for a group picture before returning to the visiting locker room at Blue Valley’s stadium, riled up because they had just secured the team’s first appearance in a state championship game.

Mertz keyed the victory, scoring two touchdowns in extra time. The win avenged a 34-33 regular season loss to Blue Valley.

Blue Valley (8-4) took the football next but BV North senior tackle Nick Orr wouldn’t let Blue Valley get too far. He sacked Blue Valley’s Luke Bernard for a loss of 3 yards on a second-and-14 play. The ensuing pair of incomplete passes doomed Blue Valley, which had tied the game 30-30 on a Jackson Likens 22-yard field goal with 1:30 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Blue Valley North (8-4) will play defending champion Derby in the state final next Saturday at Emporia State. Three Eastern Kansas League teams will play for state football titles: Blue Valley North, St. Thomas Aquinas (5A) and Bishop Miege (4A-Division I).

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