By Max Goodwin
Rockhurst football notched a monumental win for the program as the Hawklets defeated Lee’s Summit North, the top-ranked team in the state, 24-21, in district finals to advance to the quarterfinals of the MSHSAA Class 6 state playoffs.
It is Rockhurst’s biggest win in five years, in a season that has several of them chalked up for the Hawklets. The last time Rockhurst reached the quarterfinals was in 2018 when the Hawklets went on to the state championship where they lost to Christian Brothers College High School in St. Louis.
This Lee’s Summit North team that Rockhurst took down has a star filled roster, including one of the top recruits in the nation in defensive lineman Williams Nwaneri.
The Rockhurst defense held the Lee’s Summit North offense to its lowest score of the season.
Rockhurst senior running back Aiden Ryan scored the winning touchdown with just under 5 minutes left in the game. Receiver Jack Bichelmeyer had a controversial touchdown reception in the first half that appeared to hit the ground before Bichelmeyer came up with it.
Rockhurst has now won seven straight since that loss, including wins over Bishop Miege, Lee’s Summit West, and a memorable comeback over St. Thomas Aquinas.
Next up, Rockhurst faces a matchup with Nixa with a chance to advance to the state semifinals on the line.
The Lees Summit North vs Rockhurst game was a travesty!! The controversial play you referenced wasn’t controversial at all! The referee in the end zone 1st called the pass incomplete the other one threw a pass interference on LSN then the meeting and now ruled a catch plus a PI!!! No accountability for the refs, LSN’s season ends.