Defending United Kansas Conference Champions Basehor-Linwood (3-1) was shut out for the first time this season Friday at the hands of league foe Shawnee Heights (3-1) in a 27-0 defeat.
The Bobcats received the opening kickoff and started from their 35-yard line and quickly faced a long third down after a pair of one-yard runs by Jekai Harris. Quarterback Brady VanDonge’s first pass attempt was enough to get the first down and much more as he found Brant Wilson for 46 yards to set the Bobcats up on the Thunderbird 17. Harris got the call two more times and gained 11 yards, but the Bobcats were forced to attempt a short field goal that would be no good.
Shawnee Heights took over at their five and went to work on the ground with five straight runs — between Allen Baughman, Jayden Holly and Jacob Malcom — for 41 yards to open the drive. Nearing midfield, the Thunderbirds ran into trouble after a negative play on first down and were forced to punt to the Bobcat 22.
VanDonge opened his second drive of the game with five-straight completions to four different receivers to flip the field and set Basehor-Linwood up near the Heights’ 20-yard line. The Bobcats drove inside the Thunderbird five-yard line for the second-straight drive and opted to go for it on fourth down but a fumble by Wilson was recovered by Heights.
Heights continued to run the ball as Baughman recorded five consecutive carries as the first quarter ended with the two teams tied 0-0.
The Thunderbirds punted the ball back to start the second quarter and the Bobcats got started from their 18-yard line. A handful of solid runs by Harris and a 14-yard connection between VanDonge and Wilson set the Bobcats up in Thunderbird territory at the 33-yard line. VanDonge’s next pass was intercepted by Sean Wunder, who returned it for a touchdown to open the scoring and give Heights a 7-0 lead.
The remainder of the half saw neither team score as the Bobcats failed to get across midfield and trailed 7-0.
Heights wasted no time in the third quarter as Baughman took three carries for 63 yards and punched in the score from one yard out to push the lead to 14-0. The Bobcats drove across midfield on the ensuing drive but were halted on a short fourth down attempt, allowing the Thunderbirds to take over.
Heights ran the ball relentlessly on the following drive, using an 11-play, 57-yard drive that spanned nearly six minutes to take a three-score lead as Baughman got his second touchdown of the game on a 6-yard run. The Bobcats failed to gain any momentum and went into the fourth quarter trailing 20-0.
The Bobcats opening drive of the fourth quarter came up short with a tough fourth down and the Thunderbirds got back in the endzone immediately to effectively seal the win as Baughman scored his third touchdown of the game on a 57-yard run.
Baughman’s three touchdown night came on a 29-carry, 235-yard effort to lead all rushers. Nicholas Freedland followed with 57 yards on five carries. Jayden Moore caught two passes for 12 yards.
Van Donge finished 21-48 for 279 yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions. Harris had 58 yards on 18 carries. Both Wilson and Mile Hinkle eclipsed 100 yards receiving.
The Bobcats are scheduled to host Leavenworth Friday. The Pioneers fell to 2-2 after a 57-16 loss to DeSoto.
Shawnee Heights is scheduled to face DeSoto at home Friday. DeSoto moved to 3-1 following its win against Leavenworth.
