Cover photo: Rocco Marriott takes a keeper for a touchdown in Platte County's semifinal win vs MICDS. (Photo: Ross Martin, PC Preps Extra)

Platte County matched the weather with ice water running through the veins, cooly handling MICDS in the Missouri Class 5A semifinal, 44-30.

The Pirates built leads of 21-3 and 31-10 over the Rams, and advance to their first state title game since back-to-back trips to the Class 5 championship in 2020, and Class 4 in 2019.

This time, Platte County (13-0) look to bring back the trophy, and looked the part with two early passing touchdowns from quarterback Rocco Marriott for nine yards to Braiden Stevens, and a 21-yarder Lane Webb to build a quick 21-3 lead. A fumble recovery and Marriott five-yard keeper got the scoring going early.

After holding a 21-10 halftime lead, Brock Fowler picked off MICDS to set up a Dayton Doll score, and a 28-10 cushion to start the third period. PCHS again intercepted the Rams, this time by Trevor Hay, and eventually scored on a 26-yard Jackson Goodale for a 31-10 laugher heading into the final period.

Following a Rams score in the fourth, Platte County embarked on an 81-yard scoring drive to lead to another Marriott keeper for a touchdown. Ad Adam Gisler rushing score from 31 yards out, capped the scoring – and the victory.

Platte County will face Helias in the Class 5 title game at 7 pm on Saturday, December 7 in Columbia.