The Chieftains were off to a strong start offensively, but THS would need some big defensive stops as well. Tonganoxie would go on to win, 14-0. The THS defense forced two interceptions in its own end zone and another turnover via fumble recovery. Tonganoxie also recovered a fumble on a kickoff when the Panthers’ kickoff returner coughed up the ball after the Chieftains’ second touchdown. THS wasn’t able to capitalize on the field position, as a field goal was no good.

Shawn F. Linenberger

That early scoring happened with 6:19 left in the first quarter. Bodee Maslak scored on a 3-yard touchdown run and THS went up 7-0 after a Cody Lobb extra point. Tonganoxie scored a final time with 8:19 left in the third quarter. Paxton Summers scored on a 5-yard touchdown run and Lobb again added the extra point. The drive got a big boost at the start of the third quarter. Brady Martin brought out the kickoff return to the 50-yard-line before Tonganoxie’s offense started its series.

The THS defense also performed well Friday. The Tonganoxie defense would later stymie a Paola drive in the final minutes that ended on the THS 4-yard-line.

The Chieftains have now won five straight against the Panthers.

Tonganoxie improved to 3-1 overall and 2-1 in Frontier League play. Paola fell to 2-2 and 1-2. THS is now in a three-way tie for second place in the league standings. Eudora is in first place with a 3-0 record after defeating Ottawa, 35-21, Friday at EHS. Ottawa and Spring Hill are the other two league teams with a 2-1 record.

Next up for Tonganoxie is another road game this Friday. THS plays at winless Bonner Springs (0-4 and 0-3). BSHS lost, 21-0, Friday at home against Louisburg.