Rockhurst 41, Fort Osage 13

Rockhurst used its formula of defense and Cash Lewandowski to roll onto its Missouri Class 5 district final on Friday night.

The Hawklets rolled past Fort Osage, 41-13, behind four touchdowns from junior running back Cash Lewandowski, to advance onto the Class 5 District 8 final against Platte County next week.

“It was an awesome team win, our offensive line came out tonight and blocked really well, and our defense came out with a couple of goal line stands, and that’s what wins games,” Lewandowski said. “We’re a physical team and so is Fort Osage who had nothing to lose tonight, so we came into this game like it was a state championship. But, I know this district championship coming up next week means a lot to us and it’s going to be a blast.”

Along with Lewandowski, Hawklets junior quarterback Garrett Miller connected with sophomore wide receiver Tristan Johnson for a 24-yard touchdown near the end of the second quarter to lead 20-3.

In the fourth, Rockhurst sophomore running back Ben Hays broke away for a 70-yard touchdown run.

“Really happy to get the win, because I know Fort Osage is a real tough and gritty football team,” said Hawklets head coach Kelly Donohoe. “I was worried about making sure our guys were super focused on them tonight, and I think our coaches did a great job and I really respect coach (Brock) Bult, his staff, and that team. Again, I’m just really happy that we played as well as we did and we bent a lot, but we didn’t break and we kept our guys healthy and that is always a good thing.”

Fort Osage found the endzone in the fourth after junior quarterback Jonathan Ross connected with sophomore wide receiver Lucas Tucker for a 55-yard touchdown reception. Indians senior kicker Austin Sinclair was also 2-for-2 on field goals. 

Lewandowski ran in a 8-yard touchdown in the first quarter, and a 2-yard touchdown run in the second. The junior then scored two touchdowns in the third quarter with a 1-yard touchdown run before breaking away for a 22-yard TD on the Hawklets last drive of the third.

Donohoe noted how impressed he was with Lewandowski who made plays in all three phases.

 “Cash is a great football player and he’s such a competitive kid,” Donohoe said. “Defense, offense, special teams, you name it and you know he’s going to give it his all, and I’m super proud of him and the whole team tonight.”

Platte County 42, St. Pius X 0

The final score looked similar to Platte County's nine previous wins this season, but the route to get there was a little different. 

In their 42-0 win over St. Pius X in the Class 5 District 8 semifinals, it was the defense that carried the Pirates most of the way. 

Platte County took the early lead on a rushing touchdown by senior quarterback Rocco Marriott. 

With the score still 7-0, Marriott broke loose again and rumbled 62 yards to push the lead to 14. 

Platte County started off the second half with an interception, then Marriott found Braiden Stevens in the end zone for a touchdown to make it 21-0, heading into the fourth.

The final 12 minutes opened with another Pirate defensive stand, turning away the Warriors at the PC 7.

Just over one minute later, a 97-yard touchdown pass to Tres Baskerville increased the lead to 28. 

Marriott threw his third touchdown of the game with 4:19 to play, while Carlos Baskerville put up the game's final points on a pick-six. 

"The staff has done a tremendous job and the kids are playing hard," Platte County head coach Bill Utz said. "The beauty of it is there are some really great players, but it's all team first. It's fun to watch and be around." 

Platte County (10-0) and Rockhurst (9-2) will play next week in Platte City for the district championship.  

Liberty North 30, Park Hill 19
Liberty 28, Staley 7

Liberty North overcame an early deficit, and advanced to face its district rival for a district title.

The Eagles won at Park Hill, 30-19, in the Missouri Class 6, District 8 semifinals on Friday night. Running back Zemar Cheatam led the way for Liberty North with 28 carries for 158 yards, including two rushing touchdowns. The senior also snared a touchdown pass in the wing.

Liberty North (6-4) earned a berth in the district final next week against Liberty, a 28-7 winner over Staley on Friday night. Running back Colt Nolin rushed for 162 yards and two touchdowns, while quarterback Connor Hatfield rushed for 171 yards and a score.

Liberty (9-1) topped the Eagles, 38-22, earlier this year and has won three straight over Liberty North.