CANTON — The Springfield Wildcats looked to cap off a historic season in Canton, but fell short in the Division 1 State Championship game.
The Wildcats faced off against the St. Edward Eagles at Hall of Fame Stadium Friday evening.
The Eagles started the game with a long run, but were stopped from scoring thanks to four goal-line stops by the Wildcats defense.
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The Eagles would score and take a 7-0 lead later in the first quarter.
Another touchdown and a safety put St. Edward up 16-0 in the second quarter, but the Wildcats were able to score their first points of the game with a rushing touchdown by quarterback Te’sean Smoot.
The Wildcats missed a field goal to end the first half and went into the locker room trailing 16-7.
In the third quarter, the Eagles scored again and took at 23-7 lead into the final quarter.
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Smoot connected with wide receiver Anthony Brown for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, but the Wildcats missed the extra point. That touchdown was the only time either team would score in the final quarter.
The Wildcats fell to the Eagles 23-13, finishing their season 13-2.
After the game, head coach Maurice Douglass told News Center 7 that the loss will motivate the team to push harder next year.