By Russ Holen

Both teams scored 3 touchdowns, but the difference was decided by extra point conversions as 16th seeded Newman Grove downed number 1 seeded Eustis/Farnam 24-18 in Thursday afternoon in Farnam. Eustis/Farnam was 0 for 3 in P.A.T. conversions while Newman Grove was 3 for 3. Each successful conversion for the Bluejays was a completion in the right corner of the end zone from Darrek Schmidt to Luke Gasper. Newman Grove benefited from a short field under an unusual ruling to score their final touchdown. Eustis/Farnam faced a 4th down inside their 10 yard line; the punter scooped up a low snap, eluded the rush and completed a pass which was enough for a 1st down. However, the pass was completed to an ineligible receiver; the ruling on the field was the penalty, plus loss of down. Newman Grove was given the ball on the Eustis/Farnam 4 yard line and the Bluejays scored on the next play. Newman Grove is now 6 & 3, while Eustis/Farnam ends the season at 7 & 2.

Elwood runs past Garden County

By Jayson Behind a record setting performance from senior running back Kayle Barnes the Elwood Pirates ran past Garden County 50-22 yesterday. Barnes unofficially had 343 yards and scored 6 touchdowns. Elwood trailed 22-18 at the end of the first quarter but they found a way to shut Garden County out the last three quarters. Elwood forced 5 turnovers and Barnes scored three times in the second half as the Pirates put the game away. Elwood improves to 7-2 and will play Maxwell in the second round of the playoffs on Wednesday night.

Gothenburg downs Battle Creek

By Scott Foster Gothenburg - A beat up Battle Creek team traveled the four hours to Gothenburg to take on 4th seeded Gothenburg in first round C1 playoff action. The Braves were without the services of 6'8" quarterback Robert Barry for most of the game, however the Braves ended up being a tough test for Gothenburg (8-1). Barry would come in late in the game to spark the Braves, but it wasn't enough as the Swedes took care of business 34-7. The Swedes were helped out once again by a number of big plays on defense and special teams. The scoring started with a 65 yard interception return by Cameron Bullock. Tanner Mroczek again provided a spark with a 32 yard touchdown run and an exciting punt return for a touchdown that would eventually be called back. The Braves kept the game close throughout with a balanced offense, but the Swedes eventually would wear them down. Landon Haake lead all rushers with 98 yards 20 carries. The Swedes will travel to St. Paul on Wednesday.