Mark Rogers returned a punt for a touchdown, and Josh Schwart added an interception return for a score as Blue Valley West defeated Bishop Carroll, 31-19, in the Kansas Class 5A State Championship in Welch Stadium.
Rogers came up with West’s biggest play in the second quarter.
The senior twisted off two tacklers, then ran 52 yards for the touchdown that helped West to a 10-0 lead.
“He has made great plays all year long,” Blue Valley coach Scott Wright said. “We’re just proud of him and proud of all the players.”
The Jaguars built on their momentum on the ensuing possession, as J.D. Holland forced a fumble and Todd Harmon later contributed a 2-yard touchdown run to help make it 17-0.
Carroll, meanwhile, had problems all day protecting quarterback Brett Steven.
The senior, who had no interceptions entering Saturday’s game, was picked off twice and lost one fumble. He also was sacked three times.
Carroll had five turnovers in all.
“We’ve been averaging one turnover a game, and that’s what got us to this point,” Bishop Carroll coach Alan Schuckman said. “To their credit, they made us turn over the ball.”
West took a 31-7 fourth-quarter lead on Schwart’s 30-yard interception return before Carroll scored two touchdowns in the final 2 minutes, 42 seconds.
Steven finished 22-of-39 passing for 327 yards.
The Eagles never could get anything going on the ground, rushing 28 times for 27 yards.
West’s Mike Besler completed 10 of 21 passes for 160 yards but was intercepted four times.
Brandon Abbot added a touchdown run for the Jaguars.