Peetz Advances in Football Playoffs

Peetz's Bulldogs had a score to settle with the Otis Bulldogs, as Peetz lost to Otis in the season opener back in August. The Bulldogs came away with a thrilling 84-to-78 victory on Saturday.

For the second round of the CSHAA State Football playoffs, the number five seeded Peetz team traveled to the number four seeded Otis team's home field for a battle that took until the final moments of the game to decide.

The two high-powered offenses traded scores to open the game, with both teams able to move the ball against the opposing defenses, and the first quarter ended with Otis ahead 16-to-14.

Peetz was then able to get into an offensive groove in the second period, and their defense was able to make critical stops to keep the Otis team out of the end zone enough to build an eight point lead at the close of the first half 46-to-38.

Peetz passed the ball more than usual, and split the quarterbacking duties between seniors Zach Holtz and Bryson Long to add a twist to their offense that Otis had trouble defending.

In the third quarter, the battle continued with both teams matching scores, with Otis' senior quarterback Bryce Miracle completing short passes to move the home team down the field while Peetz defended against the run-option play that Otis had success with all year. At the end of the quarter, the Otis team had cut four points off the Peetz lead, ending the quarter 62-to-58, and a fourth quarter fight to the finish was set.

The teams fought the entire way through the quarter, with Peetz holding off Otis until with a little over one minute left in the game, Otis was able to tie the game at 78. Peetz got the ball back on offense, and senior Bryson Long was able to score his sixth touchdown of the game in the final moments, lifting the Peetz Bulldogs to an 84-to-78 victory while advancing the team to the next round of the playoffs.

Long was the standout for the game for the Bulldogs, rushing for 146 yards on 23 carries and completing four of six passes for 40 yards and scoring six touchdowns. Long also anchored the defense with 21 total tackles. Junior Cooper White had nine carries for 88 yards and scored three touchdowns, while seniors Gage Travis and Xavier Runge each had a sack in the victory.

Peetz's next faces Stratton/Liberty, who defeated Peetz back in September 60-to-21, and lost to Peetz in the finals of the state tournament last year.

The game is scheduled for a 1 p.m. kickoff on Saturday at Peetz.