Branson vs Kickapoo, October 23, 2010

The Branson Pirates almost let one get away against the Springfield Kickapoo Chiefs, after dominating the first quarter. After the first 12 minutes of play, the Pirates led 21-0. I post updates on my Facebook page during the game, and almost posted, "End of first quarter, Pirates lead 21-0....Yawn"... We were already speculating on the sidelines about who would be playing the second half, the second string?
We spoke too soon. The Pirates went cold after that, scoring only one touchdown in the second quarter, while the home team put 20 points on the scoreboard. At half time, it was 28-20, Pirates.
The second half started poorly for Branson. Ok, I have to admit, I know a lot more about baseball than football, so didn't understand why on a kick-off that went out of bounds inside the 5 yard line, gets moved 55 yards to the Branson 40! Hey guys, you can add comments here, enlighten me? Branson also had difficult handling some on-side kicks.
I forgot to make notation of the time, but I believe it was around 3 minutes left in the game when Kickapoo scored and took the lead for the first time in the game, 29-28. However, the Pirates were not quite ready to hop on the bus and head home.
With just 14 seconds left in the game, the Pirates had moved the ball inside the Chief's 35 yard line. It was time to bring on their kicker, Fernando Cedeno, who had set a school record 52 yard field goal earlier in the season. Kicking into a stiff breeze, there was more than ample distance and the Pirates went home with a victory!

 The team bowed in prayer, as injured team mate, Isaac Johnston lay on the field.

 Isaac Johnston being helped from field by medical personnel.

 Kicker Fernando Cedeno, kicking the game-winning field goal. I think it was close to 43 yards.

Branson vs Parkview, October 15, 2010

The final home game of the season for the Branson Pirates was Senior Night and also Breast Cancer Awareness. Senior football players and one cheerleader were honored before the game, and senior band members were honored at half time.
The football Pirates put on an impressive first half, dominating the Springfield Parkview team. At half time, the score was 35-0, all Branson.
However, in the second half, Branson seemed to have problems hanging onto the ball. Parkview was able to put 26 points on the scoreboard in the second half, but Branson prevailed, 49-26.

 Branson cheerleaders.

 A few of the Pirates with parents at pre-game ceremony for Senior Night.

 Mrs. Marti Hancock, wife of Branson head coach Steve Hancock and a breast cancer survivor, was the honorary team captain. She is pictured above with Seniors Cameron Chancey and Blake Caruthers.

 Meeting at mid field, prior to game, as #77 Brennan Linker and Coach and Mrs. Hancock look on.

 #16, Kelly Malloy.

 #37, Issac Johnston drives for the Pirates first score of the evening.

 Issac Johnston, touchdown!

 Interception by #21, Paul Stevens.

 #32 Malachi Daniels passed the 1,000 yards of rushing for the year.

 Quarterback Cameron Chancy hands off to Malachi Daniels for a 71 yard touchdown run.

 Malachi Daniels sprinting towards the goal line for a 71 yard touchdown run.

 #21, Paul Stevens.

 #83, Tyler Arnold makes an open field tackle.