CSCS loses in thriller at Burlington

CSCS had its chances, squandering a 15-point first-half lead and then missing a potential tying PAT with 3 minutes left as it put a scare into the two-time defending 1A champions Burlington before losing 28-27 in the first round.

“The kids just played their hearts out,” Lions coach Jay Kersey said. “I couldn’t be prouder of our kids. You go into the two-time defending state champions’ backyard and, I don’t want to say it was a hostile environment, but the whole town came out.”

The Lions built a 21-6 lead in the second quarter, but the Cougars closed with a late score to pull within seven at halftime.

Burlington (7-3) then went ahead 28-21 and CSCS scored late, with Kersey opting to play it safe by attempting a PAT instead of going for the lead. The kick didn’t go in.

The Lions (6-4) still had another chance, getting the ball late, but a tipped pass was intercepted and the season came to an end.

Jim Kenney ran for 145 yards on 30 carries and caught four passes for 68 yards from his twin brother, Dan. He scored three touchdowns.

Dan Kenney also scored a touchdown, ran for 45 yards and completed 8-of-14 passes for 103 yards.

The seniors have been pillars of the program for some time.

“We’ll bring back about seven kids on both sides of the ball,” Kersey said. “But we’ll lack that home run threat that we have with Jim.”