Conway Springs is eliminated by Inman 26-13 in state quarterfinals
Sumner Newscow report — Conway Springs was the first team this year to take a lead on Inman and held a 7-6 advantage at halftime.
But in the end, Inman would win 26-13 and advance to the Class 1A semifinal where it will meet Sedgwick.
Much like the previous game, Conway Springs was the beneficiary of opponent turnovers. Inman would turn the ball over three times in the first half – including two fumbles and an interception. But the Cardinals could not take advantage of the opportunities and went into halftime clutching to a one-point lead instead of leading by more.
Inman would make Conway Springs pay in the second half. The Teutons would score two touchdowns to build a 20-7 lead.
Nevertheless, Conway Springs came back when Brayden Kunz capped a 12-play drive with a 2-yard touchdown run. With 8:51 to play the Cardinals were every bit into this game trailing by seven, 20-13.
But Inman went on a 13-play time-consuming drive that ended on a Jace Doersen 1-yard touchdown run at the 2:08 mark.
The Cardinals, down 27-13, and forced to pass, ended the game with an interception.
This was most certainly a better game for Conway Springs that lost to this same team 46-6 in 2020.
Conway Springs was arguably the more dominating team in the first half.
Inman opened the game with a seven-play drive that ended with a Kyler Konrade touchdown run from the 1.
But Conway Springs immediately responded when Kunz got out in the open for a 55-yard gain. One play later quarterback Izic Billups ran in from the 2. And when Lane Kelly kicked the PAT it was 7-6 Conway Springs. And Inman was suddenly on the short end of the scoreboard for the first time in 2021.
Inman then started its turnovers, fumbling on its own 30. But Conway Springs could only generate eight yards on four plays and turned the ball back over on downs.
The Teutons were intercepted again and Conway Springs was back in business at midfield to start the second quarter. But again the drive stalled.
Inman would then drive the ball to the 2 before it would fumble at the Cardinal 3. The teams went into halftime with the Cardinals leading 7-6.
Conway Springs ends its season at 8-3. One of its opponents, Sedgwick will be playing Inman next week after beating Smith Center 49-48.
The Cardinals had 275 yards in offense to Inman’s 336. Kunz led the team with 189 yards on 31 attempts. Derrick Smith had eight carries for 41 yards. Billups was 2 of 10 passing for 17 yards and two interceptions.
Jace Doerksen was 8 of 10 for 131 yards and one touchdown for Inman.
The full stats can be found here.
