MORAN — Marmaton Valley Junior High’s Mathew Pilcher scored on a 13-yard touchdown run with 2:33 left to play, and then muscled through the ensuing 2-point conversion to cap a dramatic 20-18 come from behind win over Pleasanton.
The Blu-Jays tried to respond, getting to midfield before the Wildcat defense stiffened and forced a turnover on downs to seal the win.
“We found a way to win, even though we didn’t win the line of scrimmage,” Marmaton Valley head coach Dan Uhlrich said. “We had many fourth-down plays throughout the contest. This was a gritty game for our kids, so hats off to them. Our defense played very well.”
Marmaton Valley led 12-6 at the break, even after missing on a golden scoring opportunity just before halftime.
But the Wildcats could not convert on two plays from the 3-yard line, keeping things close.
Pleasanton took momentum from there, scoring twice to take an 18-12 lead.
The Wildcats will hope to keep on the winning side next Thursday at St. Paul.
“They have a good ball club, and I expect another close ball game,” Uhlrich said.
MEANWHILE, quick scoring starts boosted Marmaton Valley Junior High’s volleyball team Thursday.
The Wildcats scored the first six points of their home match against Pleasanton.
And while the Blu-Jays responded with a five-point run of its own, Marmaton Valley kept up its sterling play from there.
Marmaton Valley received strong service games from Kenna Boone, Emily Heskett, Ellie Stinnett, and Amanda Kierych in a 25-19 and a 25-21 victory.
Pleasanton prevailed in the B team match, 25-16 and 25-8. Aubrey Heskett had a strong service game for the Wildcats in defeat.
The Blu-Jays also won a single set against Marmaton Valley’s C team, 25-20. Taygen Stroud served up four points for the Wildcats.
Marmaton Valley will be in Yates Center Saturday for a tournament.
