INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (Nov. 1, 2024) – In the first round of the state-qualifying tournament, the Excelsior Springs Tigers (2-8) were edged out by the Van Horn Falcons (7-3), 31-24. Both teams put on an impressive display, but Van Horn’s aerial attacks proved the deciding factor.
The Tigers started strong in the first quarter. Despite an early 37-yard touchdown from Van Horn’s Chazz Sauls, Excelsior Springs answered quickly. Landon Marcum connected with Kota Triplett for a 10-yard touchdown, tying the game 7-7.
Excelsior Springs took the lead in the second quarter with another touchdown pass from Marcum to standout receiver Carson Gholson. Gholson’s consistent kicking game helped boost the Tigers’ score to 14-7. Van Horn responded with a 26-yard field goal by Vincent Rojo, closing the first half with Excelsior Springs in front, 14-10.
Excelsior Springs’ offense was clicking in the third quarter, as Marques Shouse broke through for a 1-yard rushing touchdown, extending the Tigers’ lead to 21-10. However, Van Horn’s offense surged back with two passing touchdowns, including a huge 40-yarder to Tristian Paige that gave them their first lead since the first quarter, 24-21.
The Tigers fought back in the fourth, with Gholson delivering a 22-yard field goal to even the score at 24-24. But Van Horn’s quarterback, Christian Neely, connected with Maurice Strickland on a 56-yard pass, reclaiming the lead for Van Horn. The Excelsior Springs defense held Van Horn for much of the quarter, but the Tigers’ last drive ended with an interception, sealing the game at 31-24.
On defense, Kota Triplett led with 7.5 tackles, while Dominck Rogers and Owen Andreasen provided solid tackling and defensive stops. The Tigers held Van Horn’s rushing attack in check but struggled to contain their high-powered passing game, which netted 200 yards and four touchdowns.
Scoring Summary
First Quarter
- Van Horn: Chazz Sauls 37-yard pass from Christian Neely (Vincent Rojo PAT) — VH 7-0
- Excelsior Springs: Kota Triplett 10-yard pass from Landon Marcum (Carson Gholson PAT) — Tied 7-7
Second Quarter
- Excelsior Springs: Carson Gholson 19-yard pass from Landon Marcum (Gholson PAT) — ES 14-7
- Van Horn: Vincent Rojo 26-yard field goal — ES 14-10
Third Quarter
- Excelsior Springs: Marques Shouse 1-yard rush (Gholson PAT) — ES 21-10
- Van Horn: Maurice Strickland 40-yard pass from Christian Neely — ES 21-16
- Van Horn: Javen Brown 3-yard rush (Two-Point Conversion) — VH 24-21
Fourth Quarter
- Excelsior Springs: Carson Gholson 22-yard field goal — Tied 24-24
Van Horn: Maurice Strickland 56-yard pass from Christian Neely (Rojo PAT) — VH 31-24
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