The Missouri 8-Man Coaches Association All-Star Football Game took place at Spratt Stadium at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph. The game ended with an exciting finish as the Green All Stars defeated the Silver All Stars by a score of 22-20.
In the first quarter, both teams had opportunities to score but were unable to capitalize. The Green All Stars were stopped on downs deep inside the Silver territory, while the Silver All Stars threw two interceptions during their possessions.
The Green All Stars struck first in the second quarter when Kemper Cline of Albany connected with Kobe Gibson of Norborne-Hardin-Central for a 12-yard touchdown pass. Jacob Coffey of Drexel then ran in the two-point conversion, giving the Green All Stars an 8-0 lead with 10:28 remaining in the first half. The Silver All Stars responded later in the half when Mitchel Avalos of Jasper set up a 5-yard touchdown run by Ty Mooney of King City. The two-point conversion failed, but the Silver All Stars had another chance and capitalized when Braxton Gibson of Stewartsville/Osborn scored on a 49-yard counter play and caught a two-point conversion pass to take a 14-6 lead into halftime.
In the late stages of the third quarter, Zander Stevinson of Orrick scored on a 1-yard run for the Green All Stars, tying the game at 14. The two-point conversion was unsuccessful, but the Green All Stars recovered a fumble on a botched option pitch, giving them a first-and-goal opportunity at the Silver’s one-yard line to start the fourth quarter. After four plays, Zander Matson of DeKalb scored a touchdown, and Cole Hostetter of Santa Fe ran in the two-point conversion, putting the Green All Stars ahead 22-14.
The Silver All Stars had one final possession late in the game and made it count. Billy Lau of Drexel connected with Porter Davis of Albany for a 46-yard touchdown pass. However, the two-point conversion attempt was denied, and the Green All Stars secured the victory.
Billy Lau of Drexel was honored with the Dalton Thacker Memorial Award, while Charlie Litherbury of East Atchison and Braxton Gibson of Stewartsville/Osborn received scholarships.
