Eagles Drop Heartbreaker To Pirates

​by John Unrein

​     The first half displayed promise for the Grain Valley Eagles as they jumped out to a 14 point lead against the Platte County Pirates on November 20th. Three touchdown passes by Eagles quarterback Cole Keller to wide receiver Logan Pratt, along with a sweep by Keller to the left of the formation down Grain Valley’s sideline fueled the offensive output that put the Eagles up 28-14 at halftime.
     The script would flip for the Eagles during the second half as Platte County would produce 17 additional points while shutting out Grain Valley during the final two quarters in route to a 31-28 victory in the quarterfinal round of the Class 5 football state playoffs.
     Pratt’s return from injury has been a blessing for the Eagles in recent weeks. The speed of the junior wide receiver was on display as he connected with Keller on two beautifully thrown touchdown fade passes good for 54 and 76 yards during the second quarter. Pratt was able to stack and separate from the Pirate secondary on both occasions before hauling in the football with extended arms.
     Just as impressive was Pratt’s reception in between the two fade routes at the 3:02 mark of the second quarter. Platte County showed respect for Pratt’s speed by providing cushion in coverage. Pratt would turn a seven yard hitch route into a 23 yard score by spinning out of the oncoming tackle of the Pirate cornerback before sprinting down the Eagles sideline to the end zone.
     All three of Keller’s touchdown passes would come during the first half on connections to Pratt, good for 153 of the total 229 yards the Grain Valley signal caller would amass during his final football game as an Eagle.
     Platte County would emerge from the locker room at the start of the third quarter determined to eliminate Keller’s comfort in the pocket during the second half. The Pirates would consistently blitz “A and B” gaps with their “Mike and Will” linebackers. The idea being to outnumber or send as many rushers as the Eagles had blockers.
     The concept worked for Platte County as they were able to disrupt the Eagles passing game. Keller worked diligently to elude pressure and reestablish himself frequently before passing during the second half. The results produced less production for the Eagles as they fell behind the chains on second and third downs frequently.
     “They (Platte County) had guys coming from a variety of places. It definitely made it harder to sort out. We tried to adjust, but they didn’t care what formation we were in, they brought the heat and kudos to them,” Keller said.
     “The first half we come out and they hit us in the mouth, and we returned the favor. We had them down and we were preaching to remember what happened last year when we played them. We were rolling in the first half and it sucks we couldn’t get that going in the second half.”
     Emotions were prevalent for fellow Eagles offensive stalwart Jack Bailey. The three year starter for Grain Valley at offensive guard comforted his teammates on the field after game. A decorated career for the senior has included being named to first team Suburban All-Conference Team during the 2019 season.
     “I’ll never forget each one of my teammates. We have played hard to the last second of every game,” Bailey said.
     “Football has taught me a ton of life lessons. When you’re down, you have to pick yourself up. Life doesn’t stop when you stop. I’m determined this won’t be my last football game.”
     The Eagles black shirt defense under the direction of defensive coordinator Pete Carpino also produced their fair share of stellar plays throughout the game. Seniors Josh McCoy and Parker Bosserman were joined by sophomore Keegan Hart in producing plays that helped the Eagles ascertain their first half lead.
     McCoy’s sack of Pirate senior quarterback Christopher Ruhnke with 1:53 left in the first quarter forced a Platte County punt. Bosserman would add a second quarter interception to team with Hart’s pass break up at the goal line with 20 seconds left in the half, denying Platte County a touchdown.
     Linebacker Hunter Newsom and defensive lineman Donovan McBride were also stingy in patrolling the line of scrimmage in limiting the Pirates to just 22 total rushing yards. Both were proud of their team and the 10-2 record they were able to amass as part of being the Class 5 District 7 champions. The duo has led by their actions on defense and only with their voice when needed.
     “We came together as a team in fighting through adversity. We didn’t know if we were going to have a season due to COVID-19. A shout out to our coaches and my teammates for keeping us levelheaded and consistently pushing us,” McBride said.
     Newsom added, “Eagles football has meant a tremendous amount to me. We wanted to represent our city and school in continuing to make a name for them these past four years.”
     The Pirate offense would turn to the air during second half in route to attaining 328 total passing yards to secure the outcome of the game. Platte County’s spread formations included an assortment of four wide, trips, and five wide receiver sets. Route combinations that stressed the Eagles secondary along with disciplined route running by Pirate wide receivers aided Ruhnke in delivering two third quarter touchdown passes that tied the game.
     Platte County would finally pull ahead at the 5:44 mark of the fourth quarter on a successful 43 yard field goal attempt by kicker Cole Rhoden. A lead the Pirates would not relinquish.
     Grain Valley head football coach David Allie spoke highly of the valiant effort of his football team following the loss. Especially, the 23 members of the senior class that Allie has mentored over the last four years.
     “Every team loses their last game of the season but one, and unfortunately we’re not that one this year. There’s no speech to give to kids after a game that ends their season. This group is mentally tough and resilient,” Allie said.
     “We knew this group of seniors were special when they arrived. I am glad that this group didn’t have the chance to compete evaporate due to the pandemic. This group is filled with not only great athletes, but great young men.”
     “When I look back, they were the first in Class 5 for us. They were conference co-champs and state ranked all year. They led us to the state quarterfinals.”
     Allie concluded, “We as coaches are here to build great young men. This group was already headed in that direction as they are great kids.”

Eagles Wide Receiver Logan Pratt sprints to the end zone.
Photo credit: John Overstreet

Eagles Quarterback Cole Keller sprints left on a sweep.
Photo credit: John Overstreet

Eagles Defensive End Josh McCoy sacks the Platte County quarterback.
Photo credit: John Overstreet

Eagles linebacker Hunter Newsom closes in to finish the tackle.
​Photo credit: John Overstreet