BLAIR HIGH SCHOOL, Krantz Field – Friday’s showdown at Blair High School was more than just a game; it was an ensemble of grit, determination, and moments that left fans at the edge of their seats. In an exhilarating contest, the Norris Titans outpaced the Blair Bears 42-21, but not without its share of drama and pivotal plays that will be discussed for weeks to come.
The narrative was set the moment the whistle blew. In an audacious display of skill and speed, the Titans’ Blake Macklin carved his name into the annals of memorable plays, racing 99 yards off the kickoff to register the game’s first touchdown. The Bears, however, were quick to retort. Brock Templar, Blair’s talented junior running back, punctuated the first quarter with a touchdown, signaling the Bears’ intent to match the Titans blow for blow.
As halftime approached, the game’s equilibrium was disrupted. A debated interception in favor of the Titans, deep in Blair territory, became the epicenter of controversy. The play, which many from the Blair contingent believed saw the ball kiss the turf, was upheld by the officials, tilting the balance towards the Titans. Capitalizing on this contentious verdict, the Titans delivered a swift riposte – a 15-yard touchdown run, establishing a 19-13 lead as the teams headed into the break.
The call was objectively bad. Watch the video below from the BSDN Live broadcast. You can clearly see the Norris defender miss the interception, the ball in front of him and moving down and away, and ultimately hitting the turf. This was a bad call at a pivotal point in the game, and set the tone for the second half. Watch the controversial interception call: https://www.youtube.com/live/HUFaRtTAKaA?feature=share&t=4225
The second half saw the Titans maintaining their momentum, but the Bears, ever resilient, produced moments of brilliance. Ethan Baessler, BHS’s dynamic senior, illuminated Krantz Field, converting a Bode Soukup swing pass into a 60-yard touchdown dash. Yet, it was Brock Templar who consistently pierced the Titans’ defenses, adding another touchdown to his tally with a hard-fought 5-yard run in the game’s waning moments.
While the 42-21 scoreline favored the Titans, the Bears showcased their tenacity and spirit, setting the stage for an enthralling season ahead. With fixtures like these, both teams have sent a clear message to their rivals: they’re here to compete, and every game promises to be a spectacle.
The journey continues for Blair as they prepare to face Plattsmouth on August 25th. One can only anticipate another game filled with passion, skill, and moments that define the sport.
