EARL WATT
• Leader & Times
The Redskin offense struggled to move the ball early in the Class 5A first round playoff game against Topeka Seaman Friday, but when they adjusted at halftime, they became unstoppable in a 41-17 win.
Topeka Seaman built an early 14-3 lead before the Redskins scored a touchdown with 27 seconds remaining in the first half when quarterback Tevin Cotter scored on a five-yard run to cut the lead to 14-10.
The Vikings kicked a field goal to take a 17-10 lead, but the Redskins adjusted the running game in the second half and a five yard pass to James Fieser tied the game 17-17.
Early in the fourth quarter the Redskins took a 24-17 lead with a five-yard touchdown run by Cotter.
Natividad Ovalle added a 44-yard field goal to go along with his 32-yard kick earlier to give the Redskins a 27-17 lead.
The Redskins finished with a strong defensive effort to force two fourth down stops, and Cotter completed a 29-yard touchdown pass to Max Holman for a touchdown and another 28-yard pass to Holman that set up a one-yard touchdown run by Cotter for the 41-17 win.
Sixth seed Liberal (7-2) advanced to the second round of the Class 5A playoffs and will host 14th seed Salina South (2-7) who knocked off No. 3 seed Andover on the road, 24-20.
The game is slated to kick off at Redskin Field at 6 p.m. Friday.
