De Smet 34, Liberty 14

Liberty concluded its season with a memorable run in the playoffs with a tough loss on Saturday.

The Blue Jays, which advanced to its first state semifinals since 1997, fell 34-14 at De Smet. Liberty concludes its season at 9-4, but with its first district title since 2003 and final four appearance since midway through the Clinton presidency.

De Smet took an early lead on a 26-yard touchdown pass with 2:44 left in the first quarter. But just eight seconds later, LHS star running back Jaxon Hicks busted loose for a 50-yard touchdown and a 7-7 tie.

For two more quarters, it was all Spartans with quarterback Dillon Duff running and passing for a score, then a Jayden McCaster 69-yard touchdown sprint for a 27-7 lead early in the second half.

Liberty eventually scored again on another Hicks two-yard touchdown run with 10:44 left in the game. But Duff connected for his third touchdown pass of the game to wrap the scoring at 34-14.

Lutheran North 24, Kearney 21

Kearney’s trip back to defend its state title fell an exit short on the road on Saturday.

The Bulldogs, looking to repeat as Missouri Class 4 state football champions, fell to Lutheran North, 24-21, in the semifinals in Kearney

Kearney (12-1) held a 14-12 lead after intermission, but the Crusaders held on KHS’ opening drive, then eventually scored on an 18-yard touchdown pass with 2:50 in the third period.

A Bulldog interception led to an eventual Lutheran North run, and a 24-14 lead with 7:26 left in the game. Kearney was picked off on the next possession, but got the ball back with 4:38 left.

Then sophomore quarterback Carter Temple escaped and jetted for a 73-yard touchdown scamper on the snowy packed field, to draw Kearney within 24-21 with 3:45 left.

Kearney had another chance after a LNHS three-and-out, but couldn’t advance past the Crusader 40 before time expired.

The Bulldogs took a 14-12 lead into halftime as each team traded touchdowns. Kearney scored on a first-quarter 12-yard touchdown pass from senior Carter Temple to junior tight end Drew Nelson, and a 45-yard touchdown run by Grant Noland with just 49 seconds before half.