The Eureka Tornadoes won a gutsy game last Friday, Oct. 25, on Senior Night against the Reno County Homeschool Sabers 32-30. The back and forth game was filled with plenty of scoring and big plays. TJ Mills secured an interception on the first defensive drive that helped shift momentum back in the favor of the Tornadoes. Peyton Hare got the scoring started with a tough touchdown run from 38-yards out. Laken Valentine would get in the end zone next on a catch and run 41-yards.
Hare would also add a pick six to the first half scoring. With the Tornadoes up 18-8 at half, the Sabers adjusted their attack on offense keeping the ball on the ground which not only was successful for them but it also took time off the clock, limiting the Tornadoes offense. The second half continued the back and forth action of the two teams. Mills had a huge 49 yard touchdown on a pass from Hare on 4th down giving the Tornadoes the lead in the fourth quarter. The Sabers would go right down the field to score again with 1:26 left in the game. After recovering an onside kick attempt, the Tornadoes started off with great field position which was capitalized on just four plays later with a massive 40-yard touchdown catch by Valentine, which left only 40 seconds on the clock for the Sabers. They would drive the ball to the Tornado 38 yard line but would be stopped by Valentine when he intercepted a pass on the 9-yard line.
The Tornadoes on offense were led by Hare 99 yards rushing and 1 touchdown, 8/15 through the air for 171 yards & 3 touchdowns. Noah Rippy and Hare led the defensive charge which made big plays when needed and took the ball away 4 times. Rippy had 8 total tackles and a forced fumble that he also recovered and took back for a touchdown but would be called back due to a penalty. Hare had 9 total tackles & an interception taken back for a touchdown.
The Tornadoes (6-2) now look towards the Riverton Rams (3-5) which was the last post season opponent the Tornadoes faced and fell to in 2021.Eureka will travel to Riverton this Thursday, Oct. 31, at 6 p.m. The winner will advance to regional action next week and will face the winner of the Humboldt (8-0) and Atchison County (2-6) game.
