The Class 2A No. 2-ranked Council Grove Braves faced one of their toughest challenges of the season Friday night, October 9, traveling to Gypsum and holding off the No. 8-ranked Southeast of Saline Trojans, 14-8.
The win improved Council Grove’s record to 6-0, marking the program’s first undefeated start through six games since the 2006 Flint Hills League championship season. It also handed Southeast of Saline, the 2024 Class 2A state champion and 2025 runner-up, its first regular-season home loss since 2019.
Following a high-scoring contest the previous week, the Braves relied on a strong defensive performance, limiting the Trojans to 209 total yards and 12 first downs.
Council Grove struck first when quarterback Luke Stewart connected with Grady Kepley on a 41-yard reception, setting up a 4-yard touchdown pass to Mason Samuels. Carter Bremer added the extra point for a 7-0 first-quarter lead.
The Braves extended their advantage in the second quarter when Bradley Doornbos broke free for a 44-yard touchdown run. Bremer’s second successful extra-point kick gave Council Grove a 14-0 halftime lead.
Neither team scored in the third quarter as the defenses controlled much of the second half. Southeast of Saline pressured Stewart throughout the contest, recording five sacks and intercepting three passes. The Braves also struggled with penalties, drawing 10 infractions for 88 yards compared to six penalties for 43 yards against the Trojans.
Southeast of Saline finally reached the end zone in the fourth quarter on a 6-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful two-point conversion pass, narrowing Council Grove’s lead to 14-8.
With the outcome still in doubt, the Braves’ offense delivered when it mattered most. Highlighted by a critical fourth-down reception by Kepley, Council Grove maintained possession for the final five and a half minutes, converting three key first downs to run out the clock.
Despite the defensive pressure, Stewart established single-game school records for both passing completions and attempts, completing 27 of 41 passes for 340 yards and one touchdown.
Kepley led the receiving corps with eight catches for 124 yards, followed by Logan Stockwell with six receptions for 68 yards and Samuels with five catches for 61 yards and a touchdown. Doornbos contributed 74 rushing yards on 13 carries and another 44 yards receiving, finishing with 118 yards from scrimmage.
Council Grove finished with 427 yards of total offense, more than doubling Southeast of Saline’s 209 yards. The Braves also held a 24-12 advantage in first downs and ran 67 offensive plays compared to the Trojans’ 52.
Defensively, David McDiffett led the Braves with 15 tackles and two pass deflections. Doornbos added 10 tackles, Dillon McDiffett recorded nine and Reid Buttrey contributed eight.
The contest also produced several individual career milestones. Stewart surpassed Ace Monihen’s all-time Council Grove career total offense record, bringing his career total to 5,671 yards. His first-quarter touchdown pass was his 17th of the season, tying the single-season school record he previously established as a sophomore.
Samuels became the first receiver in Council Grove history to surpass both 100 career receptions and 1,500 career receiving yards.
David McDiffett’s performance moved him into 11th place on the school’s career tackles list with 250. Buttrey increased his career total to 212 tackles, while Doornbos reached 180.
Through six games, Council Grove is averaging 46.5 points and 377.8 yards of total offense per contest. The Braves have completed 69.6 percent of their passes and accumulated 752 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns.
The defense has been equally productive, allowing an average of just 12.5 points and 176.5 yards per game. Council Grove has maintained a plus-six turnover margin and scored eight non-offensive touchdowns, including three defensive scores and five on returns.
With a 3-0 district record, the Braves remain atop District 5. A Southeast of Saline win over Riley County next week would secure the district championship for Council Grove regardless of the outcome of its Week 8 meeting with Riley County.
Council Grove will step outside district competition Friday, October 16, traveling to Inman to face the Class 1A No. 2-ranked Teutons. Inman’s only loss this season came against defending Class 1A state champion and current No. 1-ranked Sterling.
The matchup will provide another significant test for the undefeated Braves as they continue their pursuit of a district championship and postseason success.