Photo Credit: David Smith/Special to PrepsKC 
Thanks to a dominant performance from start to finish, Platte County rose to the occasion and raised the state championship trophy once more.
The Pirates claimed their first state title in more than two decades after defeating Helias, 49-14, in the Class 5 championship game at Faurot Field on Saturday night.
Quarterback Rocco Marriott displayed his dual-threat capabilities by rushing for two touchdowns, throwing for two more, and leading Platte County’s explosive attack to nearly 500 yards of total offense. Factor in three interceptions and five forced punts by Platte County’s defense, and it all added up to a complete performance on the biggest stage yet.
In the process, the Pirates (14-0) clinched their first state championship since 2002 and their fourth in program history.
“I couldn’t be more proud of these guys with the work that’s put into it,” Platte County coach Bill Utz said. “It’s been a true year process. The performance we put on tonight is similar to what we’ve done all year.
“It’s been a really fun year, obviously, and a great way to cap it off.”
The Pirates wasted no time taking control by scoring on their first four possessions – including three in the first quarter – thanks to two touchdown runs by Marriott, a receiving score by Tres Baskerville and a fumble recovery in the end zone by offensive lineman Owen Rawlings.
Fast starts and big point totals are nothing new for Platte County, which averaged more than 48 points per game this season, and Marriott pointed to the team’s preparation and in-game adjustments as the biggest keys to success.
“I feel like the main key was just our mental game, just coming to the sideline and talking about what we see, just coming together as a group,” Marriott said. “And then just being aggressive – knowing when to take shots (and) when to play it smart.”
Meanwhile, the Pirates’ defense also contributed to the lightning-fast start after interceptions in the first quarter by senior captains Cobe Pollard and Caden McGhee, who stopped a potential Helias scoring opportunity by making the pick in his own end zone.
McGhee’s interception came two plays after senior Dayton Doll fumbled away a punt return, and McGhee said he was glad to make the play to keep the Crusaders off the board.
“To me, it means a lot to me because that’s my dog. That’s my guy. We’ve been through a lot,” McGhee said of Doll. “So just to be able to pick him up right there and help get the team rolling right there (was big).”
The Pirates’ dominance continued in the second half, as they scored on their first three drives after halftime. Doll plunged in for a short touchdown run that started a running clock, and then Adam Gisler delivered one of the biggest highlights on the night with an 80-yard touchdown run that perfectly showcased the team’s quick-strike capabilities.
Junior wide receiver Braiden Stevens concluded the scoring with a touchdown grab in the fourth quarter that put the finishing touches on an unforgettable season.
With four more total touchdowns in the title game, Marriott concluded his incredible junior season with 58 total touchdowns – 39 passing and 19 rushing – as he also set a new school record for most touchdown passes in a season.
And even with those individual accomplishments, he still found ways to get his play-making teammates involved from start to finish – with six different players scoring the seven touchdowns.
“I feel like all year, nobody’s been selfish. Everybody wants each other to do good,” Marriott said. “We had a great offseason. We were working out together every day.
“It’s almost my job to try to make sure everyone gets involved and making sure everyone gets their touches and stays happy.”
Marriott finished with 279 passing yards and 55 more on the ground, while Gisler (107 rushing yards) and Doll (59 yards) each scored and combined to average more than 11 yards per carry. Baskerville and Stevens put up nearly identical numbers in the receiving game, as both made five catches for 90-plus yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, Brock Fowler and Bronson Ryan each contributed six total tackles to lead Platte County, and Ryan also snagged the team’s third interception down the stretch.
Playing in the title game for the first time since winning it all in 2020, Helias scored both of its touchdowns in the second half on a 33-yard touchdown grab by Sam Lopez and a 63-yard run by CJ Howell.
With the victory, Platte County clinched its fourth state championship and the first since winning three straight from 2000-2002. Utz also secured his first state title as a coach after leading the Pirates to runner-up finishes in 2019 and 2020, and he said this is the most complementary team he’s ever coached – and among the best groups he’s ever been a part of.
“I’ll never compare this team to another team because they’re unique. High school football is unique. It changes every year,” Utz said. “… I’d like to think this team’s really, really good, but I’ve been blessed with so many great people around me.
“This is just one of the teams, but they’re up there for sure.”
