(Sioux City) — Kasen Thomas scored three touchdowns to lead Bishop Heelan past Atlantic 28-6 in the opening round of the Class 3A playoffs.
Atlantic won the coin toss and chose to kick off to start the game. The Crusaders began their opening drive at their own 15-yard line and marched 85 yards down the field. University of Iowa commit Kasen Thomas powered the offense on the ground, while quarterback Noah Conley connected with Grant Whitcomb for a key completion to keep the drive alive. Thomas capped it off with a four-yard touchdown run, and the extra point put Bishop Heelan ahead 7-0.
The Trojans were able to move the ball but struggled to finish drives, and the Crusaders capitalized on their mistakes — including a fumble and a late pick-six to close the first half. Bishop Heelan recovered a Trojan fumble and turned it into points when Kasen Thomas powered in from one yard out with 7:45 remaining in the second quarter. The Crusaders extended their lead on a 10-yard quarterback keeper by Noah Conley, then punctuated the half as Thomas intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown with just 12 seconds left before halftime, with a commanding 28-0 lead.
Atlantic Head Joe Brummer admitted the Trojans had some success offensively; however, they failed to advance inside the Red Zone.
Atlantic’s defense tightened up in the second half, holding the Crusaders scoreless while eventually finding the end zone themselves. Trojan quarterback Zayden Parker connected with Ethan McNeal on a five-yard touchdown pass to cap the drive. The extra point attempt failed, leaving the score at 28-6, which would stand as the final. The Trojans also had a long touchdown run called back due to a penalty.
The Trojans’ season comes to an end at 6-4. Bishop-Heelan extends its record to 8-2, and plays district for Sioux Center next week in round number two.
