One of the Biggest Victories in School History, Braves beat #7 Humboldt on Redzone Stand to End Game

On the final defensive play of the game, ball at the 15-yard line, with 29 seconds left on the clock, Humboldt's quarterback rolled to the right and lobbed a pass up to the hook/curl zone on 4th down. So. OLB Hayden Buttrey was there to knock down the pass and secure a memorable moment in CG football history. The batted-down pass sealed a victory for the #9 Braves over #7 Humboldt. The biggest win against a ranked opponent since 1970 was when the Braves took down then 2A #2 Sacred Heart. Coincidently, that CG squad also entered the game ranked #9.

It seemed throughout the night that every Brave wanted to make a memorable moment of their own as countless players made big-time plays in crucial moments. Statistically, it wasn't the prettiest of games for Council Grove. Humboldt ran 70 plays to CG's 33 and outgained the Braves by 158 yards. The difference maker in the game, however, was CG's relentless effort in forcing 2 turnovers and having none of their own. The offense did not get many opportunities throughout the night but made plays when it counted the most.

The game began with Humboldt receiving. They marched down the field quickly, scored on a 1-yard run, executed a 2-pt. conversion play and took an 8-0 lead. An onside kick attempt to follow was recovered by Jr. Kolby Rose. 2 quick passes to Sr. Ethan Burton from So. Ace Monihen got the Braves further down the field. Burton's second catch of the night secured the career receiving record for the young speedster. A big diving 30-yard reception by Sr. Jace Goodman got the Braves inside the 5-yard line to follow. 2 plays later Jr. Jay Johnson ran the ball in from 2 yards out. Foreign Exchange Kicker Loup Charlier kicked the extra point to make the score 8-7.

In the following possession, the Cubs drove quickly and took a 14-7 lead on a 36-yard TD run. Their 2-pt. conversion attempt was no good. After this point, the Council Grove defense settled in. The 2nd quarter came with little action. The highlights for CG in the 2nd were a big interception by Ethan Burton and 2 monster sacks by So. Holden Ziegler. A big hit by Sr. Kahle Jones stopped the Cubs' offense on a 4th down and took the Braves into the half with newfound optimism.

Trailing only 14-7 headed into the 3rd, the Braves handled adversity well for the first half of the 3rd quarter. A big 49-yard run by So. Cade Goodell seemed to light a spark that would lead to a Braves' score, but the team couldn't quite finish the possession and turned the ball over on downs. A few plays later the  CG defensive front forced a lob pass over the middle of the field where Ethan Burton was lurking in the Braves' 3-Pistol defense. Burton picked the ball off and returned it 30 yards to the Cubs' 9-yard line.  On the very next play, the offensive line blocked a counter play beautifully, allowing Ace Monihen to run in for the TD. Loup Charlier kicked the extra point to tie it 14-14 before the game headed into the 4th quarter. The CG offensive line has continued to show improvement game-by-game thus far. The unit is led by starters Holden Ziegler, Jr. Jayden Moseley-Cannon, Sr. Creighton Simecka, Jr. Connor Garver, and So. Dax Myers.

In the 4th, the Braves took over. Their first possession of defense included a couple of big plays. Jr. Connor Garver split a double team that included a returning all-state lineman for Humboldt. Garver's effort led him to the backfield where he stood up Humboldt's talented All-State back in the backfield. Jay Johnson also defeated a puller for a tackle for loss following this. On 4th down, Humboldt attempted to punt but mishandled the snap. This gave CG the ball on the Cubs' 29-yard line. After a few plays, Ace Monihen found Ethan Burton on an out & up route for a 30-yard TD and a 20-14 lead. Humboldt followed the Braves' score by driving the length of the field. On a 3rd down from the 11-yard line and under a minute to go, the Cubs ran a speed option. Kahle Jones came flying down from his safety position and forced a pitch. In a superb showing of effort, Jones was also able to take down the back who received the pitch for a 4-yard loss. It was on 4th down from the 15-yard line when Buttrey made the final stop.

See the stat leaders for the game at the bottom of the page.