NEW MADRID FALLS SHORT IN 3A PLAYOFFS

NEW MADRID -- New Madrid County Central's dream of a berth in the Class 3A state football semifinals ended Monday night as visiting Duchesne from St. Charles handed the Eagles a 25-20 quarterfinal defeat.

Duchesne (12-0) bolted to a 17-0 first-quarter lead and never trailed, although the Pioneers had to hold off a furious rally by the Eagles (10-2).Ricky Smith's 97-yard kickoff return in the fourth quarter after Duchesne had gone in front 25-12 pulled New Madrid to within 25-20.

The Eagles then had a final chance, but a last-ditch drive ended on Duchesne's 37-yard line.

Smith also scored on a 29-yard run for the Eagles while Byron Minner scored on a 42-yard run.

Duchesne's touchdowns came on a 23-yard pass from Kyle Elmendorf to Luke Kozelichki, on runs of 1 and 11 yards by Brad Wuelling and on a 31-yard Wuelling field goal.

New Madrid had 231 total yards to 197 for Duchesne. Smith rushed for 90 yards while Minner added 88.