The Blue Jays used big plays to capture the Class 2 Distict 2 title.

By Marty Mishow ~ Southeast Missourian

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- Scott City football coach Terry Flannigan was worried sick about Charleston's big-play ability heading into Thursday night's showdown for the Class 2 District 2 title.

"We knew they had a lot of speed and explosiveness, and speed kills," Flannigan said.

Flannigan's worst fears were realized as the Rams got burned by big plays all night during host Charleston's 37-19 victory.

The Blue Jays (8-2, 3-0 district) claimed their fourth district title in the past five years after failing to capture the crown last season.

Scott City, which last won a district title in 1999, wound up 8-2 and 2-1 in district play.

"Big plays were the key for us tonight," said Charleston coach Brent Anderson, a Scott City graduate.

Charleston had five touchdown plays of more than 35 yards, with cat-quick sophomore tailback Joseph Watts and 6-foot-6 senior wide receiver Ashton Farmer doing much of the damage.

Watts scored four touchdowns and rushed for 240 yards on 23 carries. He scored on runs of 61, 45 and 17 yards, and also reached the end zone on an 85-yard punt return on the final play of the first half that opened up an 18-0 Charleston lead.

"That was a backbreaker," Flannigan said.

Farmer, who is probably best known in area athletic circles as a Division I recruit in basketball, caught touchdown passes of 76 and 36 yards from quarterback Josh Marshall.

Scott City also had its moments, especially after battling back from third-quarter deficits of 25-0 and 31-8 to make things interesting. The Rams pulled to within 31-19 early in the third quarter but got no closer.

"I knew Scott City would keep fighting back," Anderson said.

Matt Schaefer, a 5-5 senior tailback, wrapped up a sensational season for the Rams by rushing for 119 yards on 19 carries and catching five passes for 115 yards.

Schaefer, who finished the season with more than 1,500 yards rushing, scored his 19th touchdown of the year on a 71-yard pass from quarterback Mark Johnston, and he also kicked a 41-yard field goal.

Jonathan Barr had Scott City's other touchdown on a 16-yard run. Johnston tossed two-point conversion passes to Jason Schenimann and Dane Gibson.

Charleston had 479 total yards to 358 for Scott City.

Farmer took a short pass from Marshall midway through the first quarter and turned it into a 76-yard touchdown. Charleston never looked back, although Scott City was able to mount a late comeback.

"We fought in the second half. We got after them," Flannigan said. "But they've got a good team."

Added Flannigan, who led the Rams to their first winning season since 2000 in his return to Scott City, "We had a good season. They played hard and worked hard, and I'm glad the seniors went out on a good note."