Alva Review-Courier -

The Alva Goldbugs traveled to Kingfisher Friday afternoon to take on the Kiefer Trojans in the quarterfinals of the Class 2A state tournament. No. 3 ranked Kiefer entered the game undefeated while the Goldbugs brought a 6-6 record to the playoff round. Against all odds, the Goldbugs defeated Chandler and Kingston to reach this point. At halftime, Alva held a narrow two point lead, but they couldn't hold the line against the crushing defense of Kiefer losing 34-14.

The Goldbugs went into the game without leading receiver and free safety Aiden Kimberlin who broke his hand in the Kingston game. Alva also lost center Chuck Shafer to a deeply bruised knee in that game, although Shafer suited up in case he was needed Friday. By the end of the game, the Trojans had taken out Tristan Vickers who was playing the center spot. Quarterback Cambell Gaisford was also sidelined in the final quarter after he took a hard tackle.

First Half

The Goldbugs were first to score in the game, working their way toward the goal from mid-field. At the Trojan 16 yard line, Gaisford passed to Wyatt Tucker who was brought down just a yard short of the end zone. From there Lantz Mathers carried the ball in for the touchdown. Kash Shipley's extra point kick was good, and Alva led 7-0.

The Trojans went four and out on their next possession with Alva taking over on their 40 yard line. Gaisford handed the ball to Mathers who found some running room and took it all the way to the house. Shipley followed the 40 yard touchdown with an extra point kick, and Alva led 14-0 which was the score at the end of the first quarter.

Just before the first quarter ended, Kiefer quarterback Cash Worley connected on a long pass to Alston Carr to reach the Goldbug five yard line. The Trojans were set back by a false start as the second period opened but made up the five yards on a pass. Then Jentry Pendergraft took a direct snap and ran the ball across the line to score. The two-point conversion failed, but the Trojans were on the scoreboard 14-6.

Alva had difficulty making headway against the Trojans, even with Goldbug Hunter Pfleider picking off a Kiefer pass. The Trojans scored again before halftime, working their way from their 23-yard line to the Alva 37. A holding penalty set them back ten yards, but Worley passed to Carr who made headway to the Alva 13. From there, Worley ran the ball in for a touchdown. The two-point conversion again failed. Alva led by two points 14-12 at halftime.

Second Half

The Trojans had first possession in the third quarter and quickly scored. Worley found an open area and ran for a 65-yard touchdown. This time the two-point conversion was a success, and Kiefer took the lead 20-14. Neither team scored the remainder of the third quarter.

In the final period, Kiefer got the ball early at their 40-yard line. They made steady progress to the Alva 26 where Worley found a receiver open at the ten. Jack Stemmons took the ball across the line for the touchdown. Pendergraft ran for the extra two points, and the Trojans led 28-14.

It was in Alva's next series that Gaisford had to take a seat on the sidelines after a hard tackle. Daylon Malone took over at quarterback. Then Vickers went down and was replaced by Shafer. A fumbled ball gave Kiefer possession, and they were determined to hang on as time ran out.

With seconds left, Kiefer made it to Alva's 12. Worley handed off to Bradley Breland, but Mathers stopped him at the Alva 4. Worley ran the ball in for a final touchdown followed by a failed two-point conversion.

Alva had time for a couple of plays before time ran out with Kiefer winning 34-14.

Wrap-Up

Many of the Goldbugs now will be suiting up for basketball season which begins Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Chisholm.

Desiree Morehead

Senior Troy Love (65) tries to hold back the Keifer defense.

Kiefer advances to the semifinals against Millwood next Friday at Bristow. Millwood defeated Idabel 34-7. On the other side of the bracket, Jones beat Victory Christian 56-36 and Washington defeated Vian 47-14. Jones and Washington will meet in the semifinals at Yukon on Friday.

The Waynoka Railroaders were knocked out of Class C playoffs by Tipton 54-0 Friday afternoon. Timberlake also lost 48-40 to Ryan. Ryan and Tipton will play for the state championship Friday, Dec. 1.

In some other playoffs of interest, Seiling defeated Weleetka in Class B to take on Regent Prep in the semifinals next weekend. Okeene defeated Yale 40-30 (former Goldbug Jackson Feely plays for Okeene). Okeene will play Velma-Alma Saturday, Dec. 1, at Western Heights at 1 p.m.

Fairview has advanced to the semifinals in Class A football after defeating Stroud 56-20. The Fairview Yellowjackets will meet Woodland at 7 p.m. in Harrah on Friday.