The Plainville Cardinals used a stout defense and just enough offense to upend Smith Center 14-0 Friday night to earn their first appearance in a state championship game since 1985.

After forcing Smith Center to punt on their first possession the Cardinals offense scored on a 60-yard touchdown run by senior quarterback Hayden Friend, his first of two touchdowns on the night, to take a 7-0 lead.

Smith Center failed to put together another successful offense drive on their second offense possession and was forced to punt and Plainville would again take advantage.

The Cardinals put together a 10-play 85 yard drive that was capped off by a one yard Friend touchdown run giving Plainville a 14-0 lead with less than two minutes to play in the first quarter.

The defenses would dominate the game over the next three quarters resulting in a 14-0 win for Plainville.

Friend had a game-high 129 yards on 24 carriers and two touchdowns for the Cardinals. Riley Nyp added 92 yards rushing. Plainville outgained Smith Center 267 to 109 total yards.

Plainville Coach Grant Stephenson

Smith Center finishes the season 9-3 and for the second straight year falls in the sub-state championship game.

Plainville improves to 11-1 and will take on Troy in the Cardinals first title game appearance since 1985.

Saturday’s kickoff is set for 1p.m. from Lewis Field on the Fort Hays State campus