Van-Far struggles in second half, loses at Crystal City

By Jeremy Jacob, Sports Editor
Posted 10/12/22

Van-Far head coach Lucas Gibson thought the Indians “dominated” at Crystal City in the first half Friday.

The second half, though, didn’t match as Van-Far lost 37-14 to its …

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Van-Far struggles in second half, loses at Crystal City

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Van-Far head coach Lucas Gibson thought the Indians “dominated” at Crystal City in the first half Friday.

The second half, though, didn’t match as Van-Far lost 37-14 to its district foe after being outscored 21-6 in the second half. Brandon Eoff ran for 147 yards on 22 carries, punching in both touchdowns, while picking up four tackles for loss.

Gibson said Van-Far trailed 16-8 at halftime after a last-second touchdown by Crystal City (6-1) only for the deficit to grow quickly after the Hornets were successful on an onside kick in the second half. Van-Far couldn’t come up with the ball, and Crystal City took advantage with a touchdown to make it a three-possession lead.

“We played half of a game it seems like,” Gibson said. “I can take more responsibility and have them ready to play a full game. After they scored, we turned the ball and they scored again.”

Gibson said he felt like Crystal City was beatable, despite the Hornets going in with one loss, so he thought the Indians “didn’t give it their all.” He said Van-Far missed tackles against a run-oriented offense, which helped Crystal City control the game and run the clock out after gaining the big lead.

Van-Far (1-6, 1-4 EMO) resembles Crystal City in how it runs the ball to control the game, Gibson said, so there lies the reason he thought the Indians could have won and can if the teams meet again in districts.

Gibson said he expects a competitive game Friday for Van-Far’s homecoming against Eastern Missouri Conference and district foe Louisiana (1-6, 1-4 EMO), who lost 22-14 at home to Montgomery County in Week 7.

“I think it’ll be a good game. It should be,” Gibson said. “Their record is the same as ours. We’re glad to be back at home after being away for three games.”


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