The Morris Eagles closed their 2025 football season Friday night with one of their most complete offensive performances of the year, racking up 583 total yards in a hard-fought 34-20 road loss to the 9-1 Wilburton Diggers. Despite the defeat, the Eagles demonstrated grit and determination that reflected the heart of a young roster looking to build for the future.

— A Competitive Finish Against a Playoff Contender Facing one of District 2A’s top programs, Morris refused to back down. The Eagles traded blows with Wilburton throughout the first three quarters, trailing only 21-20 late in the third before the Diggers pulled away with two final touchdowns.

The Diggers opened the game with a 20-yard rushing score to take a 7-0 lead, but Morris answered in the second quarter when sophomore quarterback Landon Martin connected on an 11-yard touchdown pass. The extra point attempt failed, leaving the Eagles down 7-6.

Wilburton responded with a 21yard touchdown run before Martin struck again – this time finding Hagan Hodges for a 28-yard touchdown pass, followed by a successful twopoint conversion that tied the game 14-14 midway through the quarter.

The Diggers added another rushing touchdown late in the half to reclaim a 21-14 lead at the break.

Morris came out strong in the third quarter when Martin hit Chase Baumgarner on a 10-yard touchdown pass to narrow the gap to 21-20. However, Wilburton’s run game proved too powerful down the stretch, as the Diggers scored twice more – on 28- and 11-yard runs – to secure the 34-20 victory.

— Morris offense shines bright

While the scoreboard favored Wilburton, the stats told a different story. The Eagles out-gained the Diggers 583 to 322 in total offense, balancing 273 passing yards with 310 on the ground.

Martin completed 9 of 17 passes for 97 yards and three touchdowns, while Hodges went 1-for-1 for 42 yards. Their combined efforts accounted for all three Morris touchdowns through the air.

The receiving corps had one of its best outings of the season. Baumgarner caught three passes for 59 yards and a touchdown, Karter Richardson hauled in four for 37 yards and a score, and Hodges added a 28-yard touchdown reception. Freshman Elias Smith contributed two catches for 15 yards, giving Morris four dif- ferent players with receptions in the game.

On the ground, Baumgarner again led the charge with 97 rushing yards on 20 carries. Martin added 42 yards on five attempts, including a 28-yard burst, while junior Grant Clay chipped in five yards on a single run.

Despite losing a fumble, the Eagles controlled the tempo of the game for long stretches, using 48 offensive plays to produce 18 first downs and converting 50 percent of their third-down attempts.

— Defense battles Wilburton’s ground game Defensively, Morris showed resilience against Wilburton’s punishing rushing attack. The Diggers relied almost exclusively on the run, amassing 310 rushing yards and five touchdowns while completing just two passes for 12 yards.

Freshman linebacker Elias Smith was all over the field, recording 13 total tackles (six solo, seven assists) with one tackle for loss. Baumgarner added seven tackles, and Hodges contributed eight, splitting time between coverage and run support.

Richardson, Clay, and senior lineman Jaret West each had key stops, with West adding a sack. Senior linemen Dayton Andrews, Rowen Ramirez and Isaiah Taylor also played crucial roles up front, helping limit several potential big runs.

In all, Morris forced one fumble and held Wilburton to just 36 percent efficiency on third down. The Diggers managed 17 first downs to the Eagles’ 18.

— Special Teams Recap Special teams gave the Eagles solid field position throughout the night. Baumgarner returned two kickoffs for 18 total yards, including a 15-yard return, while Hodges added another pair of returns for 16 yards.

Clay handled the kicking duties, attempting extra points and kickoffs, while Baumgarner added three kickoffs for 66 yards. Clay’s longest kick traveled 11 yards on a squib designed to limit Wilburton’s return game.

The Eagles committed just four penalties for 20 yards, compared to Wilburton’s six for 34, showing improved discipline and focus in their final outing.

— Scoring Summary

• 1st Quarter: Wilburton 20-yard run (kick good)

• 2nd Quarter: Morris – 11yard pass (kick failed); Wilburton – 21-yard run (kick good); Morris – 28-yard pass (two-point conversion good); Wilburton – 22-yard run (kick good)

• 3rd Quarter: Morris – 10yard pass (kick failed); Wilburton – 28-yard run (kick failed); Wilburton – 11-yard run (kick good)

• Final: Wilburton 34, Morris 20 — Season Reflection

Although the season ended with a 1-9 record, the Eagles’ offensive growth under head coach Jimmy Whitlock was evident in their finale. The combination of a balanced attack, improved passing efficiency and younger players stepping up provides optimism heading into the offseason.

The leadership of upperclassmen such as Jaret West, Dayton Andrews, and Isaiah Taylor helped anchor the team during a rebuilding year. Meanwhile, rising talents like Baumgarner, Martin, Hodges, and Smith give Morris a promising core for 2026.

As the team transitions into the offseason, the Eagles can take pride in closing the year with their most productive offensive performance of the season against one of the district’s strongest defenses.

— Top Performers

• Landon Martin: 9/17 passing, 97 yards, 3 TD; 42 rushing yards

• Chase Baumgarner: 97 rushing yards, 59 receiving yards, 1 TD, 7 tackles

• Karter Richardson: 37 receiving yards, 1 TD, 7 total tackles

• Hagan Hodges: 28-yard TD catch, 8 total tackles

• Elias Smith: 13 tackles, 1 TFL, 15 receiving yards