Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
MAROA — A season for the history books for the Flora Wolves came to an end in the 2A quarterfinals with a 48-12 loss at Maroa-Forsyth.
The Trojans took full advantage of winning the coin toss, forcing Flora to go into a stiff wind in the first quarter and then turning the resulting great field position from two Wolves’ punts and fumble into a 20-0 lead after one.
An interception with the wind derailed a promising Flora drive early in the second. The Trojans promptly turned it into the third Ryne Sheppard to Zach Smith touchdown of the half for a 27-0 lead. Sheppard finished the day 19-22 for 299 yards passing and five touchdowns for the Trojans, with Smith hauling in six passes for 147 yards and three touchdowns, and Cayde Birmingham finishing with eight catches for 120 yards and two touchdowns.
Parker Helm’s fourth and goal touchdown from the one got the Wolves on the board late in the second, cutting the Trojans’ lead to 27-6 at the half.
The Wolves had a couple of chances to get back in the game with the wind in the third quarter. Flora’s defense came up with a pair of stops, but both resulting possessions ended up as turnovers on downs as the Trojans’ defense stiffened with the Wolves in Maroa-Forsyth territory.
M-F then put it away with two early scores in the fourth quarter before the teams traded touchdowns to finish 48-12.
The Trojans improve to 10-2 and are headed to the semifinals for the 15th time in the last 21 postseasons.
The Wolves finish 10-2 in a season that won’t soon be forgotten in Clay County, thanks to the first two playoff wins in school history.
