The Exira-EHK Spartans football team were overwhelmed in their 72-16 loss to the Lenox Tigers on Friday night in the first round of the 8-man playoffs. From the first play Lenox was locked in as Gabe Funk intercepted the Spartans which led to an immediate 55-yard touchdown pass from Funk to Gabe Robles to put the Tigers up 7-0. After a mishandled kick return Lenox scooped the ball up for an onside recovery. The following play saw a 20-yard touchdown sprint by Laramie Stoaks making it a 13-0 game. At that point the tone was set and Exira-EHK would struggle to catchup. The reminder of the first quarter had three more scores for the Tigers all rushing, including a 73 yard race from Stoaks putting them up 35-0.

The second quarter didn’t fair much better for the Spartans as a running clock started. Midway through the second quarter Funk faked a pitch and kept the ball on a 36 yard touchdown scramble. The score then increased to 42-0. Right before the end of the second quarter Funk had one more long touchdown run left as he weaved his way through the Exira-EHK defense for 51 yards, creating a 50-0 lead at halftime.

The Spartans did rally in the third quarter with two goal line touchdown runs by Alex Hansen to chip away at Lenox’s lead, even with a 59 yard touchdown pass and punt return by Funk. The end of the third quarter would sit at 64-16. Exira-EHK’s defense held in the fourth while only giving up one Tiger touchdown by Ashton Leonard. The final score of the game would then be 72-16.

Lenox’s main scorer Gabe Funk had an impressive outing with six total touchdowns showing a wide range of skill and decision making. The Spartans top producer on Friday was Hansen with his two scores. Exira-EHK head coach Drew Buckholdt noted that he was impressed with the way Hansen carried himself throughout his time as a Spartan.

Looking at the future of Spartan football, coach Buckholdt is optimistic about the talent he has returning.

The loss drops Exira-EHK’s final record to 3-6. Lenox stays undefeated at 9-0.