The pressure was mounting on both sides when the undefeated Turner Bears took on the host Basehor-Linwood Bobcats during the Bobcats' homecoming. The Bobcats gave the fans something to cheer about, giving Turner their first loss of the season, 35-19 by a score of 35-19.
Basehor improved to 3-1 (2-1 Kaw Valley) while Turner dropped to 3-1 (2-1).
Halftime adjustments were key for the Bobcats. Basehor-Linwood had a huge third quarter and never looked back, scoring 21 points to give it a lead and help pad it. While its defense shut down Turner's running game. The Basehor offense was lead by sophomore quarterback Justin Phillips. Phillips completed 14 of 18 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns. The Bobcats also had a big day on the ground led by junior Jahron McPherson who finished with 66 yards and three touchdowns on 9 carries.
"Jahron has been awesome for us all year" said Basehor coach Rod Stallbaumer "He makes plays in all three facets of the game and we try to utilize him as much as we can because guys can feed of of his energy"
The knockout blow came by Basehor in the fourth quarter with eight minutes left. The Basehor defense had a goal line stand, making Turner turn the ball over at the Bobcat 5.
"We have got to learn how to start strong and stay there for all four quarters," Rod Stallbaumer said. "Turner was a confident team coming in and we didn't give them any reason to not be confident in the first half. We made adjustments at halftime and we got more physical in the second half and I think our goal line stands proved that"
Turner had control in the first half, taking a 13-0 lead. The Turner offense was led by senior Darnell Miller. Turner's last momentum swing came in the form of a 91 yard kickoff return by Miller in the third quarter. Miller finished the game with two of Turner's three touchdowns and 252 all-purpose yards. Senior quarterback Santino Bernal led the ground game for the Bears. Bernal had 15 carries for 74 yards.
Turner coach Jeremy Milne thought fatigue overtook the Bears.
"I think we're relying on too many people to play on both sides of the ball," he said. "It's not fair to ask a kid to play that many snaps. I'll have to find some other players to step in."
Basehor senior Ryder Reed led the team in receptions with seven catches for 93 yards. Defensively, Basehor held Turner to 100 yards of offense in the second half and had an interception to clinch the victory.
Turner will look to rebound for the first time this year in a home game against Lansing. Basehor will travel to Eudora for a non league test against the Cardinals.
