In their second consecutive battle of KCI unbeatens, the East Buchanan Bulldogs secured their first lead of the game with under two minutes left in regulation, but that was all they needed to beat West Platte 21-20 on Friday in Weston.
It was tough sledding for East Buchanan (5-0, 2-0 KCI) throughout the majority of the contest, where for the first time all season their offense looked out of sorts.
Bulldogs coach Dan Ritter heaped praise upon the West Platte coaching staff.
"Coach Newstead is a legend. To put together that game plan and absolutely shut us down, that's pretty impressive. It worked to a tee," Ritter said. "For us to somehow grit out a win, that's just gonna make us better. It's gonna help us down the road."
The Bulldogs offense initially looked polished, going the length of the field on their opening drive before quarterback Conner Musser was strip sacked. West Platte (4-1) defensive back Cameron Williams ran it back 70 yards to the East Buchanan 12-yard line, setting up a two yard score for Blue Jays running back Trent Taylor to give them a 6-0 lead.
Musser and the Bulldogs responded, hitting receiver Adam Stephen Engnes on a curl route for a short touchdown to tie it up by the second quarter's start.
Ritter made note of his quarterback's ability to rise to the occasion despite his early fumble, an inconsistent performance from his receivers, and the running game's least productive night of the season by far.
"Conner was moving all over the pocket, getting things done," he said. "Our receivers dropped the ball a bit but all of those kids can play. I know they're gonna show up in games to come so I'm not worried about them."
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