Rockhurst, Platte Co., Liberty North, Liberty win Missouri football playoff games

Postseason high school football continued Friday evening with games across the Kansas City metro.

Here’s a look at some highlights from playoff contests in Missouri around the KC area.

Rockhurst 41, Fort Osage 13

Rockhurst used its formula of defense and Cash Lewandowski to roll on to the Class 5, District 8 final.

Junior running back Lewandowski scored four touchdowns as the Hawklets advanced to a showdown next week against Platte County.

“It was an awesome team win,” Lewandowski said. “Our offensive line came out tonight and blocked really well, and our defense came out with a couple of goal-line stands, and that’s what wins games.

“We’re a physical team and so is Fort Osage, who had nothing to lose tonight. So we came into this game like it was a state championship. But I know this district championship coming up next week means a lot to us, and it’s going to be a blast.”

Hawklets junior quarterback Garrett Miller connected with sophomore receiver Tristan Johnson for a 24-yard TD near the end of the second quarter Friday to extend Rockhurst’s lead to 17 points, at 20-3.

In the fourth quarter, Rockhurst sophomore running back Ben Hays broke away for a 70-yard touchdown run.

“Really happy to get the win,” said Hawklets coach Kelly Donohoe, “because I know Fort Osage is a real tough and gritty football team. I was worried about making sure our guys were super focused on them tonight, and I think our coaches did a great job ...”

Fort Osage found the end zone in the fourth quarter when junior QB Jonathan Ross hit sophomore receiver Lucas Tucker for a 55-yard TD. Indians kicker Austin Sinclair was 2-for-2 on field goals.

Lewandowski ran in an 8-yard TD in the first quarter and a 2-yard TD in the second. The junior then scored twice in the third quarter, via a 1-yard run and 22-yard jaunt.

Donohoe said he was impressed with how Lewandowski made plays in all three phases.

“Cash is a great football player and he’s such a competitive kid,” Donohoe said. “Defense, offense, special teams — you name it and you know he’s going to give it his all, and I’m super proud of him and the whole team tonight.”

Platte County 42, St. Pius X 0

The final score looks similar to Platte County’s nine previous wins this year, but the route to get there was a little different this time: It was the defense that carried the Pirates most of the way in this Class 5, District 8 semifinal rout.

Platte County took the lead early on a rushing touchdown by senior quarterback Rocco Marriott. Not long after, Marriott broke loose again — this time for a 62-yard TD — and it was 14-0.

Platte County started off the second half with an interception before Marriott found Braiden Stevens for a TD through the air to make it 21-0 entering the final period.

The game’s final 12 minutes opened with another Pirates defensive stand. Just over a minute later, Tres Baskerville scored on a 97-yard pass play, swelling the lead to 28 points. Marriott threw his third TD pass with 4:19 to play and Carlos Baskerville scored the final points of the evening on a pick-six.

“The staff has done a tremendous job and the kids are playing hard,” Platte County coach Bill Utz said. “The beauty of it is there are some really great players, but it’s all team-first. It’s fun to watch and be around.”

Platte County (10-0) and Rockhurst (9-2) will play for the district championship next week in Platte City.

Liberty North 30, Park Hill 19

Liberty North overcame an early deficit and advanced to face rival Liberty for the district title.

The Eagles beat Park Hill in the Missouri Class 6, District 8 semifinals Friday. Running back Zemar Cheatam led the way with 28 carries for 158 yards, including two rushing touchdowns. The senior also scored a receiving TD.

Liberty North (6-4) earned a berth in the district final next week against Liberty, a 28-7 winner over Staley. Speaking of which ...

Liberty 28, Staley 7

This one was all Liberty: Running back Colt Nolin rushed for 162 yards and two touchdowns while quarterback and teammate Connor Hatfield rumbled for 171 yards and a score.

Liberty (9-1) topped Liberty North 38-22 earlier this year and has now beaten the Eagles three times in a row.

That run of momentum could swing next week, of course, when the Blue Jays and Eagles meet yet again with everything on the line.

For scores, stats, recaps, rankings, broadcasts and more, visit 810Varsity.com.

This story was originally published November 8, 2025 at 1:37 AM.