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Sam Cheatum scored four touchdowns, in Friday's Class D1 football playoff game against Stanton, but it wasn't enough to defeat the unbeaten Mustangs.

Stanton claimed a 60-30 win to advance to the field of eight teams in the 2023 NSAA State Football Championships bracket.

Coach TomThramer said he thought the team competed well against Stanton.

"We obviously didn't win the game, but we stuck in it until the final whistle which I am proud of our kids for. We aren't quite at the level of Stanton in terms of our program but I feel like we can get there with these guys. We will return a good core group next year which will be a huge benefit compared to this year," Thramer said.

Cheatum caught seven receptions for 128 yards. Quarterback Michael Koenig completed 19 of 25 passes for 214 yards.

Connor Thomson led the rushing cadre, carrying the ball five times for 46 yards.

On defense, Ethan Kester ended the night with 13 tackles. AJ Hobbs added five solo takedowns and Cheatum recorded 10 tackles, including four solo hits.

Ruger Switzer averaged 29.8 yards per kick on kickoffs. He finished with 6 kicks for 179 yards.

Thramer offered special thanks to the three seniors who played this season.

"I want to thank our three seniors - Christian Behnk, Garrett Napier and Jesse Thiele - for giving football a shot this year as they were a very important part of our team," Thramer said.

Even though the season has come to an end, Thramer evaluated his squad's performance throughout the season, noting it was full of peaks and valleys.

"We just need to get better at not staying in the valleys so long and climb back up to the peak. I am proud of this team for going on the road and winning a playoff game against a very talented Hi-Line team. I think that speaks volumes about what this group of guys can accomplish in the coming years I am excited for what Summerland Bobcat football has in store for the future and can't wait to get back to work with this bunch of guys next year," Thramer said.

Statistics v Stanton:

Passing: Alec Schindler: 1/1 for 1 yd; Koenig: 19/25 for 214 yds

Rushing: Thomson: 5/46 yds; Schindler: 3/30 yds; Koenig: 7/7 yds; Mathias Wagner: 2/4 yds

Receiving: Cheatum 7/128 yds; Schindler: 8/53 yds; Preston Hoke: 4/31 yds; Thomson: 1/2 yds

Tackles: Jesse Thiele: 3; Schindler: 7; Koenig: 6; Cheatum: 10; Logan Kester; 6; Switzer: 3; Thomson: 2; E. Kester: 13; Hoke: 8; Hobbs: 10; Jason Shaver: 1; Shayne Jenkins: 1; Wagner: 3; Christian Behnk: 2; Gavin Whiting: 7

Kickoffs: Switzer; 6/179 yds

Punts: Schindler: 3/146 yds

Kickoff returns: Schindler: 5/82 yds; Thomson: 1/1 yd; Hoke: 1/6 yds