A field goal in the waning moments of a playoff game with the season on the line is the dream scenario for any kicker. Simeon Reichenbach got to live that reality Friday when his 28 yard boot with 10 seconds left lifted No. 5 WACO to a 39-36 victory over Edgewood-Colesburg in a first round eight-player game. 

In front of a raucous Wayland crowd, the road Vikings (5-4) controlled the first 24 minutes with quarterback Cael Funk having his way throwing and running the rock en route to three first half touchdowns and a 20-10 lead at the break. Reichenbach found the end zone once on a 30 yard rush and nailed his first of two field goals from 23 yards out to keep the Warriors within striking distance. Out of half, WACO came out on a mission with 19 straight points headlined by touchdown passes of 41 and 25 yards from Isaac Oswald to Drew Diers. Both squads traded scores with Zach Schmitz and Jon Rice also finding the end zone before Ed-Co found the equalizer at 36-36 with 1:30 left. Marching right down the field led to Reichenbach’s leg doing the rest for the game winner.

Head Coach Chad Edeker broke down the play. “We knew they were going to be coming at the kick hard and we were debating running our fake, but everyone collectively said no and that Simeon is going to make it. They had already blocked an extra point so we moved some things around protection wise with Drew Diers lining up against the kid that blocked it earlier. Everyone did a great job of blocking, no one got near the kick, and Simeon put it through the uprights like he has in practice so many times.”

Reichenbach had to earn every yard on the ground with 30 carries for 108 yards and the one rushing touchdown. Oswald completed 10 of 18 throws for 175 yards and two scores. Overall, the Warriors amassed 418 yards compared to Ed-Co’s 368. 

WACO improves to 9-0 and advances to Friday’s round of 16 when they travel to Martensdale-St. Mary’s (7-2). 

Photo Courtesy of WACO Schools Facebook