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Buhler Football Controls the Line of Scrimmage and the Clock against Wamego to Advance to the Class 4A Semifinals

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Buhler 28, Wamego 14

WAMEGO, Kan. – Buhler football advanced to the Class 4A semifinals for the first time since 2021 following Friday’s 28-14 win at Wamego. The Crusaders took advantage of some early Wamego miscues to build a 14-0 halftime lead.

The game’s first touchdown came on a 24-yard jet sweep by freshman Landon Martinez with 6:53 remaining in the first quarter. Martinez blew through an attempted tackle by Wamego defensive back Jace Johnson on his way to the end zone.

Defensively, Buhler hounded Wamego quarterbacks all-game long, accumulating three sacks, 15 hurries, and one interception. The pick, against back-up quarterback Macoy Moody, came along the Wamego sideline by linebacker Jacob Miller and helped to set up Buhler’s second touchdown. On the very next play, Nick Gazaway powered his way for 32-yards on an inside handoff and scored with 7:52 remaining in the second quarter.

Martinez and Gazaway combined with Mitchel McDaniel to rush for 190 yards on 40 carries.

“Great effort,” head coach Steve Warner said. “Our offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage against a very good front.”

Wamego used a kickoff return for a touchdown and a short field following a Buhler punt to make it a one-score game early in the fourth quarter. The Crusaders, however, were able to mostly control the second half clock, eating up nearly 16 minutes on two scoring drives of their own.

On the last of those drives in the fourth quarter, Buhler converted on multiple third downs, including an acrobatic 25-yard catch by receiver Quentin Pisano that got his team back in the red zone.  Pisano finished the night with three catches for 70 yards and added three tackles on defense.

“I’m very proud of the kids,” Warner said. “We always talk about how you handle adversity is what makes you a champion.”

Just like 2021, Buhler will face Andover Central in this coming Friday’s semifinal game. Coincidentally, it will also be 11 years ago to-the-day that the Crusaders beat Holton to advance to the 4A state title game in 2013.

“We’re excited to go to work for another week,” Warner said. “Our kids will be ready.”

Scoring

Buhler: 7-7-6-8

Landon Martinez (1)

Nick Gazaway (2)

Mitchel McDaniel (1)

Wamego: 0-0-7-7

Tate Warren (1)

Drew Erickson (1)

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