BOWLING GREEN, Mo.–Bowling Green got revenge against the Lafayette County Huskers in the quarterfinal round of the Missouri Class Two State Tournament, after falling to the Huskers 52-32 in 2021. The Bobcats are set to face the number-one-ranked Blair Oaks Falcons in the semi-final round this Saturday, November 26.

In a very intense game, the Bobcats notched a win against the Huskers 30-22 on Saturday afternoon. Bowling Green was able to keep the Husker offense at bay for most of the game, including an interception by senior Brandon Gamm on the Huskers’ first drive. The interception eventually allowed the Bobcats to take an early lead with a rushing touchdown from Marcus Starks.

The two teams went back and forth trading possession of the pigskin until the Bobcats took advantage of an opportunity. Quarterback Dylan Dalton threw a touchdown pass to Bleyne Bryant, giving the Bobcats the lead. The Huskers weren’t content to staying away as they marched down the field for a touchdown to end the first half. Both teams were tied at 14 headed into the locker room.

In the second half, the contest got even more intense as both teams were struggling to score. Starks got his second rushing touchdown midway through the third quarter to give the Bobcats the lead. The Huskers tied the score with a big passing play. Entering the fourth quarter, the score was knotted up at 22.

The defensive aspects of both teams were clicking in the fourth quarter, neither team was finding the endzone, or even getting anywhere near it. The Bobcats were able to push through with a rushing touchdown from Starks to give Bowling Green the lead, one the Bobcats were able to hold onto. Lafayette County’s offense was stopped in its tracks, Dalton took a knee, and the game was over. With a final score of 30-22, Bowling Green was headed to its first state semi-final game since 2010.

In 2010 a powerful Bowling Green Bobcats fell just short of a state championship, falling to John Burrows in the semi-final round 16-14. In 2009, Bowling Green was defeated in the state championship by Cassville 24-7.

The Bobcats have a tall task on Saturday as they take on an undefeated Blair Oaks. The Falcons are the number one team in Class Two, and average 56.3 points on the board per game. Blair Oaks defeated the Lift for Life Academy Charter Hawks 42-0 in their quarterfinal matchup. The Falcons allow just 12 points per game. Bowling Green is averaging 66 points per game while allowing 8.9 points per game.

The Falcons offense relies heavily on the performance of their quarterback. The Bobcats will target the quarterback, hopefully putting a stop to the Blair Oaks offense.

This Saturday the Bobcats will try and punch their ticket to the Missouri Class 2 State Championship. The semi-final match will be hosted in Bowling Green. The stands are going to be packed this Saturday for this highly anticipated game. Gates will open at 11:30 am. Additional seating will be made available for Saturday’s game near the scoreboard. Extra bleachers will be brought in, but lawn chairs are also encouraged.

Listen to the semi-final match at 102.1 FM on your dial, at kjfmradio.com, or on the KJFM Radio app. Pregame begins at 12:40 pm with kickoff set for 1:00 pm.