For a half on Friday, it looked like the Summit Spartans were on their way to owning one of the biggest upsets in the first round of this year’s playoffs.
The Spartans (7-4), the Region 5-5A four seed playing in their first playoff game in school history, had undefeated Cane Ridge (11-0) down 21-0 at halftime, but their problem was there was a second half.
After the break, the Ravens showed why they won the tough Region 6-5A, shutting out Summit and scoring 35-straight points for a 35-21 win.
All of the Spartans’ points came in the second quarter. Tyler Palmer (9 rushes, 28 yards and two touchdowns) scored twice on the ground and Dalton Fisher (16 carries, 98 yards and one TD) added one score.
Junior Tai Carter rushed 22 times for 117 yards, ending his season with 1,368 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.
Cane Ridge running back Jordan Bell proved to be too much for the Summit defense. After struggling in the first half, he exploded after the break to end with 23 carries for 121 yards and four touchdowns. He also had 38 receiving yards.
The loss ends what was the best season in Summit history. The Spartans won their most games (7) and finished with a record above .500 for the first time. They also played in their first playoff game.
