Trojans fall in playoff rematch against Staley

It’s always hard to beat a good team twice, especially when it is such an all-around solid team like the Staley Falcons. The Park Hill Trojans beat Staley in the district opener just a few weeks ago on a dramatic come from behind victory 27-24, but on Monday night in the sectional round of the Missouri state playoffs the magic just wasn’t there for a Trojans’ second straight upset as they fell 28-6. The contest was the second game of a double-header at Park Hill District Stadium following the Park Hill South and Raytown South game.

The first half was full of ups and downs for both teams with each seeing several opportunities to score, but losing steam as they approached the red zone. With a strong wind, several field goal attempts were tried unsuccessfully. Tied at zero late in the second quarter, Park Hill was forced to punt from their own end zone. Staley broke through the line and blocked the punt with Kaleb Sweet recovering it in the end zone to put Staley up 7-0 going into halftime.

The lone scoring highlight for the Trojans came on a 58-yard break away run from Trace Norfleet in the third quarter. After the point after failed, the score was cut to just 7-6 in Staley’s favor. Unfortunately for Park Hill, the bend, but don’t break defense that had helped them all year came apart in the fourth quarter as Staley scored on runs of 20, 10, and four yards to conclude time consuming drives. Park Hill was unable to match the offensive explosion of Staley as the Falcons claimed redemption the second time around with a 28-6 victory over the Trojans.

Staley improved to 10-2 on the year and will play Park Hill South on Saturday afternoon. Park Hill concludes the season with a 7-4 record.