Blu-Jays roll over Erie on senior night, Staton honored for 5,000+ yards passing

Senior quarterback Kamden Staton (10) unleashes a pass to Antonio Bustillos during the game against Erie. Staton was honored for completing passes for more than 5,000 yards over the course of his high school career. (Photos by Billy Roudybush / Journal contributor)

By Billy Roudybush

Journal contributor

It was a chilly Thursday night on Oct. 23 when Pleasanton High School celebrated their seniors who were involved in fall activities. All seniors involved in football, volleyball, cheer, band, and trapshooting were recognized and celebrated the evening with their parents.

After recognizing the seniors came a time to have a special celebration. Senior quarterback Kamden Staton was recognized for his accomplishment of passing for more than 5000 yards during his high school career.

With all of the celebrations over, it was time to begin the football game with the Erie Red Devils. When Erie came out, they displayed a big front line. The expectation was this would be a tough game. Pleasanton quickly started its ground game with running backs Hayden Mell and Ryker Carpenter. They made good progress.

***Pleasanton's Ryker Carpenter hits the gas as he finds running room in Thursday's game against the Red Devils.***

Then Staton went to the air. With receivers Mario Davis, Gage McGinnis and Antonio Bustillos, the field was wide open to the Pleasanton offense. Pleasanton that advantage to go up 13-0 in the first quarter.

Erie did not take to being behind. Red Devil quarterback Quincy Brown went to running backs Kazdon Collins and Kyler Yackle to get back into the game . They managed to get to 20-6 at half time. Pleasanton never let them get any closer.

***Blu-Jay Mario Davis picks off an Erie pass. It was one of two interceptions he had on the night.***

The Pleasanton defense intercepted Erie passes three times and the Blu-Jays’ front line kept the Erie runners in check. Staton kept up his relentless passing attack, and Pleasanton continued to roll along.

Between deep passes and long runs, Pleasanton kept scoring allowing Erie several opportunities to push back. Still, Pleasanton was up 32-6 at the end of the third quarter.

***Pleasanton sophomore Antonio Bustillos finds running room as he returns a kickoff.***

The scoring did not end there. In the fourth quarter Aiden Patrick had a huge interception that he ran back to set up the last touchdown for Pleasanton. With the clock ticking down, the seniors were brought out of the game to a huge ovation from the crowd. It was likely to be the seniors final game in Pleasanton. With the end of the game, Pleasanton ended up on top 46-12.

Pleasanton ended the regular season with a 4-4 record. They are set as the 10th seed team in the Class 1A Division 1 East playoffs. They travel Thursday, Oct. 30, to play seventh seed Olpe (6-2). Kickoff is at 7 p.m.