JV Chiefs even the score

With memories of Friday's heartbreaking Homecoming loss to the Westfield Pioneers still fresh in their memories, the junior varsity football squad also dropped a close one Monday.

While it certainly won't carry the weight of its varsity brothers, the Chiefs helped garner at least a touch of revenge, grabbing a thrilling last minute 22-14 win at Westfield Monday afternoon.

The host Pioneers went to work right away, moving its opening drive to the end zone, then adding a two-point conversion for good measure.

The Chiefs hit pay dirt with its first play of the second quarter, Kyle Stowers finding Logan Thorp for a 15-yard touchdown pass.

In order to stay even with their guests, the Chiefs also went with a two-point conversion, Stowers running it in himself to knot the score.

The locals grabbed the lead later in the period, Jimmy Steinhorst going the distance for a 40-yard touchdown.

This time the points after attempt failed, but the Chiefs carried a 14-8 cushion into the second half.

The third quarter was good defensive football on both sides of the ball.

Things started getting interesting though with about six minutes left in the game.

Beginning with a high snap on a fourth down punt, the Chefs turned the ball over to Westfield just outside of its own red zone.

Taking over on the 22, the Pioneers went to work with great field position, but a fourth-down interception looked to end the brief but dangerous Pioneer threat.

Three plays later, Westfield's pass rush forced a Chiefs' fumble and this time Westfield began just four yards from the goal line.

A touchdown with 70 seconds on the clock tied the score at 14-14 and the Chiefs got a break when Westfield missed on its point after attempt.

The Chiefs received the ensuing kickoff and took over on its own 25-yard line.

On second down, Steinhorst made his second long run of the contest, this time motoring 75-yards to the Pioneer end zone.

A Stowers to Josh Elftmann pass put a two-point stamp on the score, but there was still some excitement left in the game.

Westfield got the ball back with 31 seconds to play, but the Chiefs defense took its turn on the field and stepped up, not allowing Westfield a chance to threaten the eight-point cushion.

The win boosted the Chiefs to a fourth straight win after a tough 0-2 start to the season.

Next up for the junior varsity Chiefs is a visit from Nekoosa on Monday at 4;30 p.m.