Watch a full replay of the Tigers vs. Warriors game on the Excelsior Citizen YouTube Channel.
EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. (Sept. 27, 2024) – In a tough matchup on Senior Night, the Excelsior Springs Football Tigers faced off against the Smithville Warriors, falling 42-7. Despite a promising start from the Tigers, the Warriors’ relentless offense proved too much, and Excelsior Springs couldn’t recover after early turnovers.
Smithville set the tone early, scoring twice in the first quarter. Peyton Steffen connected with Roman Gilchrist on a 40-yard touchdown pass, followed by an extra point from Aiden Verhulst to make it 7-0. Shortly after, Austin Clevenger added a 4-yard rushing touchdown, extending the Warriors’ lead to 14-0 by the end of the first quarter.
Dawson Claypole rushes up the middle against a stout Smithville defense (photo Andrew Price, ExcelsiorEye.com.) View the full gallery here.
The Tigers responded in the second quarter with a hard-fought 3-yard rushing touchdown by senior Marquez McCant, capping off a steady drive. Carson Gholson’s successful extra point brought the score to 14-7, giving the Tigers hope. However, Smithville’s offense quickly answered with a 54-yard touchdown pass from Steffen to Drake Odneal, restoring their 14-point lead at 21-7 going into halftime.
The Tigers struggled to find offensive rhythm in the second half, as Smithville’s defense tightened. Meanwhile, the Warriors continued to pound the ball on the ground, with Lyndon Russell and Austin Clevenger combining for three more rushing touchdowns. The Tigers had difficulty keeping pace, and multiple turnovers and penalties stalled potential drives.
Key Performances
- Excelsior Springs:
- Marquez McCant led the Tigers with 33 rushing yards and a touchdown, also throwing for 83 yards. He found Carson Gholson for five receptions totaling 72 yards.
- Defensively, Ryne Marcum provided a bright spot with an interception and two tackles, while Brant Cashett led the team with 8 total tackles.
- Smithville:
- Austin Clevenger was dominant on the ground, rushing for 99 yards and three touchdowns.
- Peyton Steffen had an efficient night through the air, throwing for 193 yards and two touchdowns, including a standout 153-yard performance from Drake Odneal.
The Tigers, now 1-4 on the season, will look to regroup after this loss as they prepare for the Homecoming matchup versus the Raytown South Cardinals (2-3) on October 4.
Final Score: Smithville 42, Excelsior Springs 7
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
- SM: Roman Gilchrist 40-yard pass from Peyton Steffen (Aiden Verhulst PAT) – 7-0
- SM: Austin Clevenger 4-yard rush (Aiden Verhulst PAT) – 14-0
2nd Quarter
- ES: Marquez McCant 3-yard rush (Carson Gholson PAT) – 14-7
- SM: Drake Odneal 54-yard pass from Peyton Steffen (Aiden Verhulst PAT) – 21-7
3rd Quarter
- SM: Lyndon Russell 10-yard rush (Aiden Verhulst PAT) – 28-7
- SM: Austin Clevenger 6-yard rush (Aiden Verhulst PAT) – 35-7
4th Quarter
- SM: Austin Clevenger 6-yard rush (Aiden Verhulst PAT) – 42-7
If you appreciate the value our local journalism brings to the community, please consider making a recurring contribution to the Excelsior Citizen!
