POTOSI – Unforeseen circumstances cost the Fredericktown football team its rare opportunity to host first-round Class 3, District 1 playoff action on Friday night. An issue with dangerous air quality arose following an incident at a nearby manufacturing facility, and instead shifted the scene to Potosi out of caution. With their season on the verge of reaching expiration, the Blackcats created a massive turnover and executed one of the more remarkable play calls in program history.
Senior quarterback Easton Wood raced 76 yards with a convoy of downfield blocks to score a season-saving touchdown on a double pass with 21 seconds remaining. Dane Sensel returned an interception 43 yards for another crucial score, and Fredericktown sank the Trojans 23-21 for its first district win since the 2014 season. LeeAndrea Catchings made four receptions for 113 yards, and Mason Proffer collected 19 total tackles with six solos as Fredericktown (4-6) advanced to face Dexter in the semifinals on Friday.
Noah Walton was sensational in the finale of his junior season for Potosi (3-7), rushing 24 times for 249 yards and two touchdowns. But a couple of wasted trips into the red zone ultimately haunted the Trojans, who suffered a seventh defeat in eight games. They were blanked 12-0 by Fredericktown in week 5.
Walton missed that contest due to injury, and shined throughout the rematch. His subtle cut toward the middle on an explosive 42-yard scoring run propelled Potosi ahead 21-17 with 3:55 to .
