It was quite a football season for the Carson City-Crystal Eagles, who lost to Pewamo-Westphalia 20-14 in the district final to finish at 10-1. After a 9-0 regular season, they beat Evart 21-6 in the first round of the playoffs at home.
They took advantage of two fumbles and an interception against Evart. The Wildcats gained 108 yards passing but only 52 on the ground and were penalized nine times for 97 yards including five crucial unsportsmanlike penalties.
“They were physical and we knew they would be,” said Carson City-Crystal coach Devin Pringle. “Our defense, those kids stepped up. I told them [at halftime] this is playoff football and you’re beating a very good football team.”
CC-C lost to Evart 16-12 in the first round of districts last year. Pringle said, “I’d be lying if our seniors weren’t up for this one. They had a little revenge in mind to even things up.”
The Eagles first scored on Will Beedy’s 4-yard run and kicked the PAT for a 7-6 lead.
“We have intelligent kids up front,” Pringle said. “They’re the ones that came up with the scheme that busted a couple of runs and got that first touchdown for us.”
The Eagles took advantage of key Evart penalties and scored in the fourth quarter on touchdown runs of two yards and one yard by Dallas O’Green and Robert Failing.
Beedy had 45 yards rushing, while Haines had 34.
Carson City-Crystal enjoyed the first 9-0 regular season in school history.