HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: VICTORIES CREATE DISTRICT SHOWDOWNS; SCOTT CITY HOLDS OFF CRYSTAL CITY

SCOTT CITY, Mo. -- The Scott City Rams defense fought off the Crystal City Hornets until the offense could get untracked in a 28-12 district win Friday night.

Leading 7-0 after a lethargic first half, the Rams got three second-half scores to improve their record to 7-2 and 2-0 in Class 2A, District 2. Scott City will battle Charleston, also 2-0 in district, for the title on Friday.

The Ram defense held the Hornets out of the end zone, despite being confronted with several Crystal City possessions which began in their territory in the first half.

"Our defense kept us in it," said Ram coach Stephen O'Brien. "We bent, but we didn't break."

Crystal City failed to capitalize on excellent field position, starting at the Scott City 26, 39, 49 and their own 46.

The Rams broke the scoring drought with 13 seconds left in the first half on a Brad Glenn 3-yard touchdown run. Glenn led the ground attack with 121 yards on 14 carries and two touchdowns, including a 6-yarder to put the Rams up 14-0 with five minutes-to-go in the third quarter.

Crystal City got on the board with 1:25 left in the third quarter after an interception return by Jeris Moonier to the Scott City 11-yard line. Jeff Sanders blasted in from a yard out to tighten the score at 14-6.

Scott City, seemingly intent on throwing the ball, went 1-for-12 with one interception in the first half. Quarterback Michael O'Brien deserved better, however. At least five throws were on target but dropped by Ram receivers.

Undaunted by their lack of success with the passing game, the Rams went back to the pass in the second half.

"It was a combination of things," said O'Brien. "In the second half our line gave us just a little more time, the throws were on target and our receivers held on to the ball."

They struck paydirt when O'Brien connected with Jacob Ressel on a perfectly thrown bomb just as the horn sounded ending the third quarter to extend the lead to 20-6. Andrew Estes' third extra point of the evening took the score to 21-6.

O'Brien remained hot, hitting Jamie Heisserer on a 20-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter.

Crystal City got a final score on a 35-yard pass from quarterback Jake Davies to Jon Murr.

Ram running back Marcus Klund picked up 90 yards on 20 carries, while O'Brien finished with 4-of-15 for 128 yards and the two scoring strikes.