Falcons' comeback comes up just short against Huskers

Higginsville quarterback DeShaun Thirkield and offensive lineman Lauden Wheeler (#55) get sandwiched between a trio of Blair Oaks defenders during Saturday's MSHSAA state semi-final matchup in Wardsville.
Higginsville quarterback DeShaun Thirkield and offensive lineman Lauden Wheeler (#55) get sandwiched between a trio of Blair Oaks defenders during Saturday's MSHSAA state semi-final matchup in Wardsville.

WARDSVILLE, Mo. - The Blair Oaks Falcons have had their backs against the wall since the second week of district play.

An 18-point halftime deficit wasn't about to knock the fight out of them.

"This group of kids is very resilient," Blair Oaks coach Brad Drehle said after the Falcons' fourth-quarter rally fell just short in a 27-24 loss to the Higginsville Huskers in a Class 2 semifinal contest Saturday afternoon at the Falcon Athletic Complex.

"All year we've had to overcome obstacles and things and we almost did it again today."