Six turnovers in Sweet Home’s first seven possessions spelled trouble Saturday as the Huskies lost 26-10 to Burns in the opening round of state playoff action.
“We just had too many turnovers,” Coach Rob Younger said. “Burns got the ball on their 42, 40, 43, 26, 28, and six yard lines in the first half. I have to credit our defense for keeping us in the game.”
Three fumbles and three interceptions in the first half spelled trouble for the Huskies.
Sweet Home stuck with a ground game and saw numerous players handle the ball. Senior Ricky Stock led the offensive charge, carrying seven times for 67 yards. Levi McCubbins carried 12 times for 30 yards, Knight was 3 for 9, Seward was 3 for 4, Miner was 4 for 21, Scott 7 for 36, Wunker 1 for 1 and Ulep 1 for 5.
Overall, the Huskies carried 38 times for 173 yards.
In the air, Seward hit on 2 of 11 attempts for 31 yards and three interceptions. Donny Cliver was 3 of 7 for 31 yards and one interception.
On the receiving end, each o the following Huskies had one reception, Erevia for 25, Simpkins for 6, Howe for 25, Walker for 7 and Matuszak for negative one.
Burns stuck to its strong passing game under the guidance of quarterback Seth Petersen who was 17 of 29 and two interceptions for 200 yards.
Snagging those aerials were Thomas 8 for 62, Johnson 1 for 5, root 3 for 27, Hoffman 2 for 25 and Mackey 1 for 44.
On the ground, Burns rushed 26 times for just 72 yards. Petersen gained 24, Mackey gained 13, Hoffman had 35 and Johnson added 8.
Burns put points on the board in the first quarter when Petersen hit Mackey for a 44 yard TD. The PAT kick failed.
In the second quarter, Petersen hit Darin Thomas for an eight yard touchdown pass, then connected with Root for the PAT.
Burns rounded out first half scoring on a one yard run by Mackey. The PAT failed.
Sweet Home got on the board in the third quarter when Pepple blocked a punt for a safety.
Miner later scored on a seven yard run and McCubbins added the PAT.
Burns finished their offensive drive in the fourth when Mackey ran the ball seven yards and the PAT kick failed.
“Burns played exactly like we thought they would,” Coach Younger said. “They like to throw the ball. We just couldn’t get consistent offensively.”
With 16 seniors going off the squad, Coach Younger said the season was swift and fun.
“This group showed tremendous leadership,” Coach Younger said. “In 14 weeks, I never had a single discipline problem. They are a fun group and made it enjoyable being around them.”
The Huskies finished the season 5-5.