By NICHOLAS KIMBALL and DELBERT PETERS

Staff writers

Marion’s winning streak came to an end Friday, but Hillsboro managed to notch a homecoming victory, and Peabody-Burns won by a lopsided score.

Hillsboro

The Trojans beat Ellsworth, 54-32.

“From the opening kickoff to the final whistle,” coach Demetrius Cox said, “the Trojans played with energy, heart, and determination, showcasing their skill on both sides of the ball.

“The offense moved the ball with confidence, the defense made key stops when it mattered, and the special teams contributed with smart, disciplined play.”

Jesiah Gooch finished with 193 yards rushing and four touchdowns.

Zayne Haslett threw for 143 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 57 yards and one touchdown.

Talon Regier and Brayson Amstutz both scored touchdowns as well.

“The win was a true team effort and a fitting way to celebrate homecoming,” Cox said.

Hillsboro (3-2) will hit the road Friday against Southeast of Saline (5-0).

“I believe this is a great opportunity for Hillsboro to show they have the athletes and mindset to compete with any team in Class 2A,” Cox said.

Peabody-Burns

The Warriors toppled Marais des Cygnes Valley for the second time this season, winning 67-18 on the road.

“We played a lot of younger players, and they really stepped up,” coach Eric Dutton said.

The Warriors finished with 511 yards, 255 rushing and 256 in the air.

“Overall, it went well,” Dutton said.

Joesuf Ayfelott rushed for three touchdowns. Aiden Hurst rushed for two.

Jameson Miles finished with two touchdowns and 94 receiving yards.

Lucas Partridge and Ashton Talkington both finished with one receiving touchdown.

The Warriors (3-2) will be home Friday against Southern Coffey County (1-4).

“We really need to focus over the next few weeks on really honing in and perfecting the little details and making sure the younger guys are getting the play reps as well,” Dutton said.

Marion

Marion was unable to hang on in the second half of Friday’s homecoming game, losing to Inman, 52-30.

“It’s always disappointing and frustrating when you lose a game, especially on homecoming,” coach Shaun Craft said. “Inman was by far the best team we have seen this season thus far. It gave us a good idea of where we are as a team and exposed some areas we need to improve upon.”

Jameson Looper rushed for 211 yards and two touchdowns. Wyatt Soyez rushed for 87 yards and two touchdowns.

“We will work to get better this week,” Craft said. “I know a lot of our guys and us coaches took the loss hard and are ready to work this week to get better, so we can still earn a first-round home playoff game.”

The Warriors (4-1) will hit the road Friday against Moundridge (4-1).

“Moundridge will be another athletic and physical team this week. “We will need to have a great week of practice and be ready to go this Friday.”

Centre

The Cougars were unable to win their homecoming game against Rural Vista, losing 54-6.

“We know we’re better than what we showed Friday,” coach Thieen Antoszyk said. “We’re going to use this as fuel for next week.”

Centre (1-4) will be back at home Friday against Colony Crest (1-4).

“We’ve got to regroup and get back to work,” Antoszyk said. “This week’s a big opportunity for us.”

Goessel

The Bluebirds were outmatched Saturday in Claflin, losing 60-0.

Solomon, Canton-Galva and Goessel are all looking for their first victory in district play. Little River, Central Plains and Ell Saline all are undefeated in district.

The Bluebirds (1-4) will play Solomon (1-4) at home Friday.