Eisenhower scores 35 unanswered to dispel Maize’s Cinderella run
Last night, Maize (5-5) matched up against Goddard Eisenhower (9-1), a team that has been dominant and is currently on a seven-game win streak at home.
Maize (5-6) has been on a roll, winners of three consecutive games and recently beating the likes of Goddard, No. 6 in the West (31-22), and Liberal, No. 3 in the West (35-26). The No. 11 seed out of the West of the KSHAA Class 5A Football State Championship bracket. With their impressive performance in the playoffs, Maize has become a tough team to beat.
Goddard Eisenhower's dream season is almost complete, with just one more victory needed to reach the state championship game in Class 5A. Maize entered the postseason with a 3-5 record, and right from the start against Eisenhower, it seemed like a Cinderella story was about to unfold.
Last Friday, Eisenhower continued their postseason success against Hays. Throughout all four quarters, they completely overwhelmed the Indians and secured a 41-7 victory at home. It appears that Eisenhower is becoming familiar with big wins, as the team has secured five victories by 24 points or more this season. Make sure to monitor the score for this one: both teams put up lofty point totals in their previous games.
Let's dive into the game!
Utilizing their strong passing game, Maize started the first quarter with a dominant performance. It will be a challenge for the Eagles to sustain this level of performance. Eisenhower was doing twists and stunts trying to get home and get to Drew Kemp, not been very successful up to this point.
Conversely, during the first quarter, the Maize front seven consistently pressured the quarterback on early downs, resulting in frequent punts by Eisenhower.
In the second quarter, we need to discuss Hunter Jennings, the linebacker for the Maize defense. Jennings was always involved in the action, deflecting passes from Eisenhower quarterback Derek Morgan and making a crucial interception to stop a Tigers’ drive.
10 minutes into the second quarter is Maize 14 Eisenhower 0
The Eisenhower quarterback has upped his game in this quarter and is now rolling out of the pocket, giving his receivers extra time to get open. At 7:48 remaining in the 2nd quarter, he made a five-yard slant pass for a touchdown.
The Tigers found themselves in a 4th and 7 on the Eagles’ 13-yard line. Instead of attempting a 31-yard field goal, Eisenhower chose to go for it. A missed opportunity occurred in the game when the Eagles received an encroachment penalty, resulting in 4th and 2 on the 9. The game is now tied 14-14 after Derek Morgan's QB keeper touchdown, leaving 3:20 on the clock in the second quarter.
During that drive by Eisenhower, the Maize Eagles had a chance for an interception on the goal line, but it was missed, adding to the inopportune circumstances.
Does Maize have an answer with 3:20 left in the first half?
They responded with three consecutive incomplete passes. Drew Kemp, the Maize quarterback, has been inconsistent and throwing late. It's not entirely his fault, as the offensive line struggles against Eisenhower's front seven, making it difficult for the team to make plays on the ground or in the air. Eisenhower has an opportunity to seize control of the game with 2:17 remaining in the second quarter by scoring a go-ahead touchdown just before halftime.
Maize is repeatedly getting beaten because of their man-to-man coverages. Their defense is suffering from a vast gap because of the defensive line's inability to pressure the quarterback. Derek Morgan is demonstrating his arm strength in the second quarter. Play after play, the Eagles’ defense is being torn apart, and I have doubts about Maize's ability to contain the Tigers’ offense. After Derek Morgan's passing touchdown, the momentum in this game has shifted to the Eisenhower side.
Halftime notes
Eisenhower responded to Maize Eagles' strong start in the first quarter by taking a 14-0 lead and initiating a comeback. Derek Morgan, the Tigers quarterback, faced constant pressure and struggled to make progress. The rushing attack started slow, but senior running back Lucas Dickman found his stride in the second quarter.
Maize struggled to reach the quarterback and apply pressure after Eisenhower modified their offensive line strategies. I'm unsure if the Eagles have enough manpower for zone coverage, but it's necessary. If the Eagles' defensive line doesn't improve, the second half will be just as problematic due to the man-to-man coverage in the second quarter. In the second quarter, Eisenhower effortlessly threw it over the top. If they don’t, this will end up being a loss, and what would be a nice comeback for Eisenhower?
Second Half
The Eisenhower Tigers are showing incredible strength on offense in the second half. Their offensive line is dominating the trenches, and they scored a touchdown on the first drive, leaving 6:28 in the third quarter with Eisenhower leading 28-14.
Despite a lackluster passing game, running back Elijah Cross for the Maize Eagles has been capitalizing on a surprised Tigers defense, making significant gains on this drive. Regrettably, a fumble concluded an otherwise impressive drive to begin the second half.
With a comfortable lead, the Eisenhower Tigers decided to emphasize their running game, led by running back Lucas Dickman. Dickman displayed his elusive and shifty running style, scoring a touchdown with some help from the defense. It is foreseeable that this game is ultimately over in the third quarter with 3:13 remaining in the third; the Tigers lead 35 to 14.
Despite limited involvement in the game, Maize's star wide receiver, sophomore Brayden Myovela, made a remarkable fourth-down catch, out-jumping three defenders for the ball. He may be inexperienced as a WR, but his talent is undeniable. This young talent has the makings of a star, and it's clear that he should have been used more in this game.
Junior Bryson Hayes is the other wide-out that will be looked at. He's a playmaker who frequently finds open space. He's a speedy wide receiver who is agile and excels at making tough catches in crowded areas. He's skilled at dodging tacklers and racking up valuable yards after the catch (YAC).
Post-game thoughts
The Maize Eagles began with a 14-0 lead but suffered a series of unfortunate mistakes, resulting in a 35-14 loss to Eisenhower. The Maize offense struggled against the stifling Eisenhower defense for three quarters.
The contrast in quarterback play between Eisenhower and Maize was easily noticeable in this game. Derek Morgan, the Tigers quarterback, used his legs effectively, whether planned or not, and his passing was accurate throughout the game, keeping the Maize defense off balance.
The final score was Maize Eagles 14, Eisenhower Tigers 35. The Tigers will advance to face the No. 1 seed, Kapaun Mount Karmel, in the Class 5A Football State Championship Semi-finals. As they return home, the Maize Eagles will reflect on their successful season, complete with both triumphs and challenges. The young Eagles team can use their playoff victories as a stepping stone for improvement.
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