The 2-3 Exira-EHK Spartans defeated the CAM Cougars 56-52 in a high scoring battle in Anita Friday night. The Spartans scored on their five touchdowns on their first six drives of the game and turning CAM over three times in the first half gave Exira-EHK a 40-20 lead into halftime. The dazzling offense from the Spartans continued into the second half going ahead by 30 in the fourth quarter. Despite the large deficit, there was no quit in the Cougar offense. CAM slowly worked themselves back into the game in the back half of the quarter highlighted by an onside kick recovery and forcing the only Exira-EHK turnover of the night. Despite the near miraculous comeback from CAM, Exira-EHK escaped with a 56-52 victory to spoil homecoming weekend in Anita.

The game began with a slow and methodical nine play 55-yard drive by Exira-EHK ending with a 22-yard run by Senior Josten Kilworth. It only took one play from the line of scrimmage for CAM to find the end zone for the first time as Junior Kayden Winther dashed into the end zone for a 45-yard score. Both teams failed their first two-point conversion attempt, and it was 6-6 with roughly seven minutes to play in the first quarter.

Exira-EHK’s offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage almost the entire first half creating massive gaps for the Spartan runners to fill. On the second Spartan drive, it was Senior Bryce Brabham finding the end zone from 12 yards out with his legs, but this time Exira-EHK cashed in on the two point try to go ahead 14-6. Moments later, a brilliant, hesitated kickoff return from Winthers put CAM within two points from 50 yards out. Once again, Exira-EHK stopped CAM on the two-point attempt keeping the Spartans on top 14-12.

The Spartans continued the success on the ground as the first half grew older as Senior Allen Olson scored the third Exira-EHK touchdown from five yards out and forcing a CAM fumble a few plays later. At the end of the first quarter, Exira-EHK led 22-12.

In the second quarter, another methodical seven play 65-yard drive for Exira-EHK put the Spartans up 30-12 after a 16-yard touchdown run from Kilsworth. CAM finding themselves in a hole in the first half takes only two plays for Sophomore Quarterback Zach Kauffman to connect with Junior Carson McKee on a 54-yard touchdown catch and run to get the Cougars within ten at 30-20. Deeper in the quarter, CAM’s defense comes up with their first stop of the game, but they were trapped deep in their own territory. Exira-EHK took advantage of the short field for the Cougars by pressuring Kauffman resulting in a safety. With the two-point score, Exira-EHK was awarded the football and scored one more time before the half to go into the locker room ahead 40-20.

In the fourth, Kilworth added onto his great night with an eight-yard touchdown run giving Exira-EHK a 48-20 lead. A quick response from CAM followed as Kauffman linked up with McKee for another touchdown pass from 22 yards out to put the game at 48-26. Exira-EHK’s highly productive offense continued shortly after to give the Spartans a 30-point lead with 7:18 to play. After that, CAM didn’t give up. Winther scored for the third time of the night with a 17-yard touchdown catch from Kauffman. It was desperation time for the Cougars as they attempted an onside kick and recovered it. CAM took advantage of the opportunity and cashed in for a second time in a roughly two-minute span. All of a sudden it was 56-40.

Exira-EHK let CAM sneak back into the game but made just enough plays defensively including two fourth quarter sacks to secure the 56-52 victory.

Head Coach Drew Buckholdt was very pleased with the way his team performed especially in the first half.

Buckholdt believes the trenches defines a game on many occasions.

The diversity of Brabham’s skillset helps this team immensely according to Buckholdt.

Not only was this a big win for the Exira-EHK season but the program.

Next week, Exira-EHK returns home to play Glidden-Ralston while CAM goes on the road to Griswold.