Western Boone Jr. - Sr. High School

Western Boone did a lot of good things on Friday night in their sectional semifinal against Lafayette Central Catholic. They moved the ball well for most the game, and limited what the high-powered Knights could do offensively. But the Stars also weren't able to capitalize on all their opportunities, and in a against good opponents that is vital as the Knights won 28-20 to end the Stars' season. "We had chances, they just didn't make many mistakes - they are a great football team," Western Boone head coach Justin Pelley said. "We were able to take away some of the things they like to do, but the quarterback hurt us with a couple of big plays. We were able to move the ball efficiently, just ran out of time." Trailing 7-0, the Stars tied the game on their second possession on an 11-yard touchdown from Jacob Smith. The Stars got a stop on defense, and drove down to the LCC 16, but missed a field goal off the upright to keep it 7-7. Just a few plays later Knight quarterback Bobby Metzger ran for a 65-yard score. Things got worse for WeBo going into the half, having a punt blocked near midfield, leading to an LCC touchdown and a 21-7 halftime lead. When the Knights scored on the opening drive of the second half, the Stars found themselves in a 21-point hole. "With the offense we run, it's tough to come back from that," Pelley said. "We missed a field goal, got set back with a couple of penalties here and there and had a punt blocked. They did a good job of taking away the big runs. We got a few 7-8 yard runs, just couldn't get the big one." freestar WeBo didn't go quietly. They went on a 12-play, 71-yard drive and scored on a 5-yard run by Brandon Potter. WeBo's defense then forced a three-and-out, and the offense made it a one-score game when Marcus Fortner ran it in from nine yards out with 5:58 to go. But Lafayette Central Catholic showed why they are unbeaten on the season, finishing the game out from there, including a crucial fourth-and-3 from the WeBo 39 with 2:55 to go. "That's the culture of this program - they aren't going to quit," Pelley said. "The coaches aren't going to quit and the players aren't going to quit. We continued to chip away, just ran out of time." Potter finished 9 of 16 for 80 yards. Fortner had five catches for 63. Mason Amich had 21 carries for 93 yards, with Smith adding 65 on the ground. Western Boone finishes the season 8-3. "The leadership of the seniors and how much they grew in their four years with us," Pelley said of what he will remember from this group. "The leadership these guys have instilled in our younger guys, about how to do things the right way, working out all summer - that's something that is going to carry on from this senior class for a long time - long after their high school careers are over." Will Willems is the Sports Editor of the Lebanon Reporter. Follow him on Twitter @Will_Willems.