Ashland-Greenwood shuts down Syracuse, advances to semifinals

ASHLAND, Neb. — Ashland-Greenwood forced two first half turnovers that set the stage for a dominant playoff win on Friday night.

The Bluejays defeated Syracuse 56-16 on Friday night to advance to the Class C1 semifinals.

Both teams scored on their first offensive possession. The Rockets took a 8-7 lead after a nine-yard touchdown run by senior running back Will Janssen and a successful two-point conversion.

Ashland-Greenwood took a 13-8 lead with a 19-yard rushing score by senior quarterback Cael Smith. The Bluejays forced a turnover on Syracuse's next possession and the floodgates opened. Ashland-Greenwood outscored Syracuse 20-0 in the second quarter with Smith scoring all three touchdowns.

Smith led the Bluejays with four touchdowns and 196 yards rushing on 15 carries. Janssen rushed for 183 yards and two touchdowns for the Rockets in the defeat.

Ashland-Greenwood will face top-seeded Wahoo in the semifinals on Friday, Nov. 14

#5 SYRACUSE (9-1) 8 0 0 8 - 16

#4 ASHLAND-GREENWOOD (9-1) 13 20 16 7 - 56