5A Sectional Valley Center Football vs Great Bend 11-11-16

With temperatures finally starting to feel like football weather, two teams squared off for a chance to play for a birth in the State Championship.

The Valley Center Hornets came into Great Bend looking to clinch their most successful season in school history. The Great Bend Panthers wanted to keep the winning and playing at home.

The Panthers put the first points on the board. Valley Center answered back with a touchdown and then a field goal. Another Hornet touchdown early in the second half put Great Bend down by ten points and their largest deficit of the year. A pair of touchdowns later and an interception sealed the 28 to 24 victory for the Panthers.

Great Bend will host Goddard in their first Sub-State game since 2006.

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Great Bend Panther Dominique Rideaux (#14) leads his teammates onto the field while carrying the flag. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

The Great Bend High School Marching Band performs the National Anthem. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

The Valley Center Hornets break down before running onto the field. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

The Head Referee tosses the coin as the team captains look on. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Great Bend Panther Carlos Franco (#38) runs to kick off the ball to start the game as Valley Center Hornet Sam Weldon (#10) looks on. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Valley Center Hornet Wyatt Lange (#1) hands the ball off to Keyon Saunders (#2). The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Valley Center Hornet Wyatt Lange (#1) rushes with the ball. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Great Bend Panther Max Jerke (#6) reaches in to help with a tackle of Valley Center Hornet Wyatt Lange (#1). The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Valley Center Hornet Wyatt Lange (#1) tells his teammates the next play. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Great Bend Panther Mason Yellowwolf (#27) celebrates as the Referee signals that possession of the ball has turned over. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Great Bend Panther Head Coach Kelly Brack talks to his players on the sideline. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Great Bend Panther Bryce Lytle (#20) catches a pass as Valley Center Hornet Keyon Saunders (#2) defends. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Great Bend Panther Brayden Smith (#9) catches a pass in the end zone to score a touchdown. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Great Bend Panther Brayden Smith (#9) celebrates scoring a touchdown with his teammates. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Great Bend Panther Brayden Smith (#9) holds up his hands in celebration of the touchdown he just scored. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Great Bend Panther Carlos Franco (#38) kicks off the ball after a touchdown. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Great Bend Panther Payton Mauler (#32) pulls Valley Center Hornet Wyatt Lange (#1) backwards out of the pile. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Great Bend Panther Cal Marshall (#11) rushes through a hole in the Valley Center Hornet Defense. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Valley Center Hornet Jay Shank (#15) goes to tackle Great Bend Panther Cal Marshall (#11). The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Great Bend Panther Braulio Vargas (#36) tries to pull down Valley Center Hornet Wyatt Lange (#1). The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Valley Center Hornets Don Boone (#3) and Sam Weldon (#10) celebrate after a tackle for a loss. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Valley Center Hornet Don Boone (#3) tackles Great Bend Panther Cal Marshall (#11) in the backfield. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Great Bend Panther Koy Brack (#12) checks to see if he is on the line or not. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Valley Center Hornet Wyatt Lange (#1) rushes with the ball. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

A pass bounces in front of an outstretched Valley Center Hornet Thayer Terwilliger (#83) as Great Bend Panther Dalton Miller (#16) defends. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Valley Center Hornet Aaron Coash (#44) kicks a field goal as Josh Roeser (#7) holds the ball. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Great Bend Panther Cal Marshall (#11) braces as Valley Center Hornet Collin Sharp (#35) comes in for a tackle. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Great Bend Panther Nick Reed (#15) looks for a hole to run through as Valley Center Hornet Don Boone (#3) steps up. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Great Bend Panther Pablo Martinez (#56) jumps to try and block a pass by Valley Center Hornet Wyatt Lange (#1). The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Great Bend Panther Jensen Randall (#10) tackles Valley Center Hornet Wyatt Lange (#1). The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Valley Center Hornet Don Boone (#3) sends Great Bend Panther Jacob Murray (#7) flying. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Valley Center Hornet Wyatt Lange (#1) takes off for the end zone. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Valley Center Hornet Wyatt Lange (#1) celebrates scoring a touchdown with his teammates. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Great Bend Panther Koy Brack (#12) stretches out his arms to catch a pass thrown to him. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Great Bend Panther Kaden Schroeder (#71) hikes the ball. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Great Bend Panther Jacob Murray (#7) throws a pass. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Great Bend Panther Bryce Lytle (#20) carries the ball after catching it. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Valley Center Hornet Keyon Saunders (#2) tries to keep Great Bend Panther Bryce Lytle (#20) out of the end zone. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Great Bend Panther Bryce Lytle (#20) stretches out with the ball to score a touchdown. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Valley Center Hornet Josh Roeser (#7) rides the pile into the end zone to score a touchdown. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

The Great Bend Panthers celebrate a touchdown scored by Jacob Murray (#7). The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Valley Center Hornet Zach Williams (#50) punts the ball away. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

The Valley Center Hornets gather in prayer as trainers tend to their teammate, Don Boone (#3). The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Great Bend Panther Brayden Smith (#9) celebrates as the horn sounds and they win the game. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Members of the Valley Center Hornets and Great Bend Panthers shake hands following the game. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

The Great Bend Cheerleaders gather with the team to thank the fans for attending the game. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

Great Bend Panther Jensen Randall (#10) addresses the players following the game. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

The Great Bend Panthers hold up the Sectional Champion trophy after the game. The Great Bend Panthers defeated the Valley Center Hornets to win the KSHSAA Class 5A Sectional by a score of 28 to 24 at Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas on November 11, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)

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