CHETOPA — For three quarters, Crest High stood toe-to-toe with their hosts from Chetopa High Friday, and nearly had the highest-profile victory of the team’s 2013 season.
But the highly regarded host Hornets erupted for 26 points in the fourth quarter to break open what had been just a two-point lead.
The 42-14 loss drops Crest to 3-4 overall and 2-3 in Three Rivers League. More importantly, Crest falls to 1-2 in district play, which determines which teams qualify for the postseason. Chetopa improves to 6-1 overall, 5-0 in league and 2-0 in districts.
“The score was not indicative of how close the game actually was,” Crest head coach Brent Smith said. “The Lancers played a very hard and tough game. The key was a number of turnovers and penalties at inopportune times. I’m very proud of the effort put forth by the Lancers this evening.”
Chetopa led 8-0 on a first-quarter touchdown before Crest took the lead with a pair of tallies in the second period.
Evan Godderz tossed a nine-yard scoring pass to Taylor Davis to tie the game. The same duo connected on a seven-yard scoring strike later in the half to give the Lancers the lead, 14-8.
But Chetopa returned a fumble 65 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter to pull back in front, 16-14.
Scoring plays covering 30, 23, 250 and 27 yards accounted for Chetopa’s fourth-quarter outburst.
Rene Rodriguez rushed for a team-high 121 yards for the Lancers, while Godderz was 4 of 18 passing for 75 yards. Three of the completions went to Davis for 43 yards. Austin Green had a 32-yard reception.
Brandon Brallier and Clayton Miller each had nine tackles to lead the Crest defense.
Green also intercepted a pass, while Miller had two fumble recoveries. Codi Vermillion also recovered a fumble.
