Kansas defeats Missouri in Metro All Star Challenge
By CANDACE BUCKNER
The Kansas City Star
Kansas continued its winning tradition Thursday night in the 17th annual Metro All-Star Challenge, defeating their state-line rivals from Missouri 20-9 at the Blue Valley District Activities Complex. It was the 10th series victory for the Kansans.
Olathe South’s Kyson Ginavan was designated the most valuable player for the Kansas team with his all-round performance of two field goals, a touchdown reception and three touchbacks on kickoffs. Not bad for the backup kicker.
“I wasn’t supposed to be kicking,” said Ginavan, who assumed the role when Mike Besler was injured in the team’s Saturday practice. “Kicking’s not one of my games I work on every day.”
In these all-star games, remarkable offensive displays should not be expected. The teams get in only nine practices before kickoff. So keeping that in mind, an MVP can emerge from any position.
While Louisburg’s Jason Spradling did the heavy lifting — 110 yards in 18 carries — Ginavan, who’s heading to Central Missouri, and Schlagle defensive end Eric Coulter scored the points.
After Ginavan’s 42-yard field goal in the second quarter, Kansas linebacker Nick Williams from Olathe Northwest invaded the Missouri backfield, crushing Lee’s Summit quarterback Andrew Schnell. Coulter picked up the fumble and ran untouched for the game’s first touchdown.
Ginavan later made a 28-yard field goal and helped closed the door on Missouri with his fourth-quarter touchdown. That 25-yard touchdown reception — a South-to-South connection with former Falcons Mike Keese and Ginavan — looked as effortless as it had the previous fall.
But for the team clad in Missouri black, such plays did not come as easily.
Kansas defensive coordinator Aaron Barnett of Shawnee Mission Northwest organized a disruptive unit that forced four turnovers and kept Missouri at bay. Missouri finally reached the end zone with 3:01 left, when Schnell found Nathan Paddock of Lee’s Summit West for a 21-yard touchdown.
“Too many turnovers,” said Missouri running back Donte Strickland, formerly of Blue Springs South and heading to the Air Force Academy. “We gave it to them early with our fumbles and interceptions. We couldn’t get it back.”
KANSAS 20, MISSOURI 9
| Missouri | 0 | 0 | 3 | 6 | – | 9 |
| Kansas | 0 | 10 | 3 | 7 | – | 20 |
KS: FG Kyson Ginavan 42
KS: TD Eric Coulter 37 fumble return (Ginavan kick)
MO: FG Sean Middleton 27
KS: FG Ginavan 28
KS: TD Ginavan 25 pass from Mike Keese (Ginavan kick)
MO: TD Nathan Paddock 21 pass from Andrew Schnell (pass failed)
To reach Candace Buckner, sports reporter at The Star, call 816-234-4389, or send e-mail to cbuckner@kcstar.com.
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