Sean Mulkey put the Pirates on the scoreboard in the first quarter, 7-0.
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Early in the second quarter, the Pirates advanced 64 yards in nine snaps. Ash Grove’s Austin Hurst slipped through a hole in the Eagles’ defense for a touchdown from the 2-yard line that made it 14-0.
The Eagles responded by advancing 82 yards in five plays. Their touchdown was accomplished by a 37-yard aerial pass to Joe Hoskins that made it 14-7.
Ash Grove responded as Hurst returned a poor kick by the Eagles for a 60-yard touchdown. Hurst added the extra point as Ash Grove took a 21-7 lead to halftime.
In the second half, Fair Grove got within 21-14 on a 4-yard touchdown pass by Michael Thomas to senior Brian Long.
The Eagles tied the game in the 4th quarter in six plays, capped by a 62-yard touchdown run from Luke Ivey.
The Pirates quickly squashed the Eagles fans’ glimpse of a possible victory. On the ensuing drive, Hurst rushed 40 yards, bringing the Pirates within four yards of the end zone in only one play. The Pirates almost ended their own opportunity with two penalties in the next four plays, but Allred slipped the ball to Hurst for an 8-yard run and the touchdown.
“Hurst running that reverse over here to the left side was just all guts. It was just all effort on his part. That’s running with heart, and we love that,” said Pirates coach Doug Martin.
The Pirates’ last two scores were the result of interceptions. O’Brien intercepted a pass at the Eagles’ 17-yard line. Hurst snatched the sudden opportunity by dancing through the Eagles defense for an 8-yard touchdown rush to put Ash Grove up 35-21.
With just over a minute on the clock and fans leaving the stands, Allred scooted 70 yards down the field for a final blazing touchdown. The Pirates kept their perfect home-field record with flair, with a final score of 42-21.
Fair Grove coach Jason O’Neal gave credit to Allred’s skill.
“That kid is the fastest kid in the area, in Class 2, so you throw him the ball in space, there’s a good chance he’ll score,” said O’Neal.
Ash Grove travels to Strafford next week while Fair Grove plays Hollister.
Ash Grove 7 14 0 21 42
Fair Grove 0 7 7 7 14
Ash Grove
Rushing:
Hurst – 92 yards on 17 carries (4 TD)
Allred – 47 yards on 8 carries (1 TD)
Fair Grove
Rushing:
Luke Ivey – 177 yards
Ash Grove legend Lee Welsh takes in the game against Fair Grove on Friday night.
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