St. John’s Braxton Alpers Shatters Rushing Record with Six Touchdowns

In an electrifying display of athleticism, St. John’s quarterback Braxton Alpers set a new school record by rushing for 356 yards and scoring six touchdowns during a commanding 64-36 victory over Stafford on October 13, 2023. This remarkable performance not only highlighted Alpers’ skills but also propelled the Tigers to a much-needed win in the 8-Man 2, District 7 showdown.

Alpers, who also contributed defensively with 15 tackles and a forced fumble, showcased his versatility throughout the game. He opened the scoring with an 18-yard touchdown pass to Jericho Mawhirter, setting the tone for a dominant offensive display. St. John’s rushing attack totalled 447 yards on just 39 carries, with Easton Alpers adding another touchdown and 54 rushing yards.

On the opposing side, Stafford’s quarterback, Dylan Brozek, displayed his own talents by amassing 397 yards of offense, scoring five touchdowns in the process. Brozek’s performance included rushing for 147 yards and connecting with receiver Landon Marks for three touchdowns. Despite their efforts, Stafford fell to a 2-5 record, while St. John improved to 3-4 for the season.

Close Games Define District Rivalries

In another nail-biter, Conway Springs edged out Ellinwood 17-14 in the longest game in Eagle football history. Kicker Eli Benge secured the win with a 20-yard field goal in the second overtime. The game featured multiple lead changes, with both teams showcasing their resilience. Logan Osner opened for the Cardinals with a 54-yard run, but Ellinwood quickly matched the score with Cade Coleman and Drake Hosman contributing to an 8-8 tie.

As the game progressed into overtime, Osner’s second touchdown and Hosman’s corresponding run kept the tension high. Ultimately, Benge’s field goal sealed the fate of Ellinwood, dropping their record to 4-3 while Conway Springs improved to 2-5.

Other District Highlights

The weekend also saw Little River triumph over Central Plains 68-32, with quarterback Jaxson Konen throwing for four touchdowns and rushing for additional yards. His standout performance helped the Redskins secure a 6-1 record, while Central Plains fell to 5-2.

In another matchup, Victoria decisively defeated Macksville 64-6. Mason Mauch and Weston Scherrer each contributed three touchdowns, showcasing the team’s offensive power. This victory improved Victoria’s record to 7-0, while Macksville remains winless at 0-7.

These matches not only highlighted individual talent but also underscored the competitive spirit and camaraderie that define high school football in these districts. As the season progresses, teams continue to battle for positioning, making each game crucial for playoff aspirations.