VAN HORNE — It is very rare that you get a second chance. Benton Community ended Solon’s undefeated run in early October 21-20. At the end of the game, as the scoreboard cast a haunting glow over the field, head coach Lucas Stanton snapped a photo—a quiet vow of unfinished business. With the playoffs looming and a rematch certainly a possibility, that single-point loss would become their rallying cry pushing the Spartans to return stronger and determined to rewrite the ending in their favor.

Solon got their wish as they drew Benton in the first round of the 3A State Playoffs. Solon chose an excellent time to have their best week of practice, which led to the No. 9 Spartans (8-2) defeating the No. 5 Bobcats (7-3), 34-27.

“[We] wanted redemption,” Stanton said with a smile, proud of his young team for believing they could edge out challenging games like this on the road. Embracing the road warrior mentality, knowing they will also continue traveling for the next week’s game.

The game itself was more like a chess match. Every play mattered. It came down to the very last drive to finally decide a winner. Solon took what felt like a commanding two-touchdown lead in the third quarter by way of a big-time throw from quarterback Ty Bell, trusting his sophomore wide receiver Maddox Kelley, who went up and snatched the ball over the defender in the back corner of the endzone to make it 27-13.

“Maddox is just a stud. You give him an opportunity, and he will make a play,” Bell mentioned. Bell, a senior with playoff experience from the previous year, says he feels much more mature and looser. He’s just going out there trusting himself and his teammates and having fun doing it.

The fun didn’t last long. Benton struck back immediately, returning the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown. Then, with an interception and another quick score, they tied the game at 27 with six minutes left in the fourth quarter.

All the gut-wrenching winter workouts, the hot summer practices, and the eight months of preparation came down to this drive. Six minutes to burn as much time as you can and, more importantly, score by any means necessary. This is when it all becomes worth it.

When you need to get a job done, you rely on the guys you trust the most. Senior Eddie Johnson, who was hurt on the previous defensive drive, would take advantage of this opportunity to help his team out.

“I knew I was coming back in. I’ll do anything for the team,” he said.

Solon had their way, constantly gaining chunk plays to keep the chains moving and the clock running. Benton defenders with hands on their hips, gassed by the attack from the Spartan offense. With the clock bleeding under a minute, Johnson called “Checkmate” with a run from three yards out giving Solon the lead again with 46 seconds to go, and punching Solon’s ticket to the Quarterfinals, where they will take on No. 3 Humboldt (9-1) Friday, Nov. 9 at Humboldt.