THS forced a three-and-out on Paola’s first series and then proceeded to score on its first offensive play when Trevor McGraw hit receiver Isiah Holthaus for a screen pass to the right. The senior then scampered for the 53-yard touchdown with 9:52 left in the first quarter.

Paola proceeded to score on a toss play 14 seconds later in the first play of the Panthers’ ensuing offensive series. The 80-yard touchdown run helped tie up the game at 7.

Tonganoxie proceeded to drive down the field, but faced a fourth-and-five from the 25. THS gambled and McGraw found Holthaus for a reception in the end zone with 6:36 left in the first quarter. It felt as though the game would become a shootout, but there wouldn’t be another score until Paola tied it up with 2:05 left before halftime on a short running play.

THS would respond with another edition of the McGraw and Holthaus Show. McGraw found Holthaus for a 45-yard TD reception. Holthaus caught the pass in stride at the 20 and streaked in for the score.

The scoring bursts from both teams looked to be a trend, as PHS returned the ensuing kickoff to the THS 41, but McGraw picked off the first play of the drive around the THS 11 and returned it into PHS territory. THS looked poised to score again before the half. The Chieftains got into the Panthers’ red zone, but THS coach Preston Troyer elected to go for the touchdown on fourth down instead of attempt a field goal, and the pass attempt failed.

The gamble would be a moot point, as THS tacked on four more touchdowns in the second half — three being rushing touchdowns after the three passing touchdowns in the first half. Brusven had two TDs and Tanner Hand another. Tonganoxie’s final score came when McGraw grabbed an interception and went in for the pick 6.

Paola quarterback Tristan Katzer was being pressured in the pocket when he threw up a ball that had McGraw waiting at the other end. Katzer had scored early in the fourth quarter on a 45-yard speed option keeper that made the score 35-21, but Tonganoxie’s next drive ate up more than 6.5 minutes of clock primarily on the ground. The drive did include a play-action pass from McGraw to Holthaus for 31 yards.

Paola had chances to punch in more scores in the first half, but the THS defense stuffed a fourth-down attempt in the red zone in the second quarter. Later in the quarter, THS punter Jackson McWilliam’s kick from his own goal line ended up being a net punt of 14 yards and Paola started the series at the Tonganoxie 24. Paola coaches wanted a pass interference in the end zone during the series, but there was no call and PHS eventually turned the ball over on downs.

Though McWilliams had the uncharacteristic punt, he was perfect on point-after attempts, going 7-for-7.

THS now has won three straight games against Paola, one of the winningest programs in Kansas high school football history. The Chieftains also spoiled the Panthers’ homecoming night in the process.

Tonganoxie improved to 1-1 in league play and 3-1 overall, while Paola fell to 1-2 and 2-2.

THS travels next week to Bonner Springs (0-3 and 0-4), while Paola is at Pittsburg (3-1).

TONGANOXIE 49, PAOLA 21

Tonganoxie 14 7 14 14 — 49

Paola 14 0 0 7 — 21

FRONTIER LEAGUE SCORES

Louisburg 45, Bonner Springs 8

Blue Valley Southwest 63, Spring Hill 35

Ottawa 17, Eudora 14

Santa Fe Trail 44, Baldwin 27

Tonganoxie 49, Paola 21