Coffeyville’s Field Kindley High got off to a rousing start Saturday in the Class 4A state championship game, scoring on its second play from scrimmage.
Destin Downing scored on a 62-yard run to give the Golden Tornado a 6-0 lead over Buhler.
But two other early scoring chances ended with turnovers before Buhler found its footing.
The Crusaders scored 17 points in the second quarter to take control of a 31-14 victory.
The loss ends Field Kindley’s season at 12-2. Buhler (31-1), which knocked off defending state champion Holton in the semifinals, won its first state title.
Downing rushed for 78 yards to lead the Golden Tornado. James Newton had a 67-yard reception from Charles Deffebaugh in the fourth quarter for the other touchdown.
In other action on Championship Saturday:
— Derby won the Class 6A title with a 28-21 win over Shawnee Mission East.
— Blue Valley edged Salina South, 27-26, to win the Class 5A trophy.
— Silver Lake set a state playoff scoring record with its 82-38 win over Beloit.
Field Kindley comes up short in Class 4A title bid
