It’s PCHS vs. Jackson in Class 5 on Saturday
A fourth down scoring pass late in the game lifted the Platte County Pirates to a 24-21 win over Webb City and into the Class 5 state championship game.
The Pirates will face Jackson in the state title contest on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Helias Catholic High School, 1305 Swifts Hwy., Jefferson City, Mo.
Platte County senior quarterback Chris Ruhnke threw three touchdowns, including a nine yard scoring toss on fourth and goal to Colby Rollins, senior receiver, with 5:58 remaining in the game in the semifinal win over Webb City on Saturday, Nov. 26, in a game played at Webb City.
The Pirates are now 12-1 on the season. Jackson, their opponent in the state championship game, is 13-0.
In the semifinal victory over Webb City, Platte County jumped out to a 6-0 lead midway through the first quarter when Ruhnke connected with Carter Salzman on a 15-yard touchdown pass. The PAT kick failed.
Early in the second period, Ruhnke again connected with Salzman on a 16-yard touchdown pass. This time, a two-point conversion attempt was successful and the Pirates led 14-0.
Webb City then rallied with a pair of scores to tie the game at 14-14. Webb City’s touchdowns came on touchdown runs by Devrin Weathers of 82 yards and Weathers again from 38 yards.
Platte County with just one second remaining in the half went back on top when Cole Rhoden booted a 38-yard field goal, and the Pirates were up 17-14 at the half.
After a scoreless third quarter, Webb City grabbed the lead for the first time with 9:25 left in the game when Dupree Jackson scored on a four-yard touchdown run, and Webb City led 21-17.
That was it for scoring until the Ruhnke to Rollins nine-yard connection on fourth down with 5:58 to play in the game, putting Platte County up by what turned out to be the final score, 24-21.
Statistics
Stats from the Pirates’ semifinal victory over Webb City:
Passing: Ruhnke completed 19 of 46 passes for 218 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions.
Rushing: Cayden Davis carried 27 times for 90 yards. Ruhnke carried seven times for 36 yards.
Receiving: Salzman caught four passes for 70 yards and two touchdowns; Joey Schultz 5-66; Rollins 5-34; Dayton Mitchell 2-32; Davis 3-16.
Punting: Ruhnke punted three times with an average of 34.3 yards.
Kickoff returns: Mitchell 2-29; Davis 1-6; Luke Filger 1-2.