April 26, 2024

Unbeatens collide as Norton hosts Scott City

Norton, Kan (westernkansasnews.com)–In the mid to late 80’s, it wasn’t uncommon to see Scott City and Norton meet up in the playoffs. Scott City dethroned Norton in 1987, and held off the Bluejays in 1988, while Norton returned the favor and dethroned the Beavers in 1989 at Darner Field. All those games were in Bi-District play. Today at Travis Field in Norton, one team will move on in the gauntlet of the Class 3A powers, while one will see a great run come to an end.

Scott City comes in at 10-0, after a 56-0 win over the Ellsworth Bearcats Tuesday night at Darner Field. The game was over early, as Scott City scored three touchdowns on their first four offensive plays en route to a 35-0 lead after the first 12 minutes. It was the fifth shutout in 10 games this year for the Beavers, who have given up only six points a game, while scoring an average of nearly 48. The Beavers are led by Cooper Griffith, who is 20 yards shy of 1,000 rushing yards for the season, while Trey O’Neil has thrown for 17 touchdowns and only two interceptions. 

Norton, who is also 10-0, jumped out to a big lead on Riley County on their way to a 49-14 win over the Falcons Tuesday night in the Bi-District round. The Bluejays led 34-0 before the Falcons scored their first points of the game. Norton has also had their share of shutouts, as they have shutout their first three opponents of the season. They have doubled their win total from last year. Jordan Dole has been responsible for 19 touchdowns this year, as he started the first four games at fullback, before taking over at quarterback after an injury. 

The last time these two teams met was in 2009, when Scott City held off Norton 14-6 in District action. They last met in the playoffs in 2006, when the Beavers shutout the Bluejays 39-0 in the Regional round.

Kickoff from Travis Field in Norton is at 2:30. Pregame coverage begins at 2 pm on Mix 94 and online at https://www.westernkansasnews.com/mix94/. You can also listen on your android or tablet device by using the free KSKL app or by listening on tunein.