Unlikely Plays Lead to Warrior Loss

Sterling, Kan. – What a different game it would have been without the impact of three unlikely plays. Two in the first half and one in the second. Sterling was the team we have come to be used to. Taking time and methodically working the ball down the field with long drives, primarily working in the trenches. Unfortunately for the Warriors, the outcome of the game was decided by three less than common plays.

The first score came on a blown coverage in the Warrior secondary that ended up as an 81 yard passing play. The second happened as the Warriors were driving down the field trying to get a score in before the half, but an Avila linebacker made an acrobatic catch for an interception that her returned to the endzone for another score. At the half, Sterling was behind 14-0.

The third score was a 51 yard run after Sterling had been so tight defensively on a field that was increasing sloppy inside the hashmarks after over two inches of rain fell in the 24 hours prior to the game. Sterling's glimmer of hope came on a powerful fourth down and goal rush by Bryance Sanders. He was contacted first at the line of scrimmage, but pushed through the Spire defensive line to find paydirt. Unfortantely for the Warriors, that was the only time they would see the endzone. Sterling fell 20-7.

With the loss, they have been statistically eliminated from winning the division and getting an automatic bid to the NAIA National Tournament. Next Saturday, Sterling will celebrate their seniors prior to their final game of the season against Kansas Wesleyan University. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 pm.

Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch the Warriors' live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.