Sterling Football Claims KSHSAA Class 1A State Title Victory

HUTCHINSON — The final weekend of high school football in Kansas has come and gone, marking the conclusion of an unforgettable season. One of the most dramatic games in Class 1A history took place on Friday, November 28, as Sterling emerged victorious over Rossville with a score of 35-34 at Gowans Stadium on the campus of Hutchinson Community College.

Here's a detailed look at what transpired during the Class 1A State Championship game:

Final Moments: A Thrilling Finish

The game came down to the wire as Rossville struggled to move the ball on 4th down and 33 yards to go. This allowed Sterling to take possession and secure the win. For the Black Bears, this victory marks their first state championship since 1982, making it a historic moment for the team and its fans.

Key Updates from the Game

3:10 p.m. (CT): Rossville Moves Into Sterling Territory

With 25 seconds left in the game, quarterback Canann Mitchell led Rossville into Sterling territory, putting the Bulldogs at the 29-yard line. At this point, Sterling led 35-34, and Rossville still had all three of its timeouts remaining.

3:05 p.m. (CT): Sterling Strikes with a Passing Touchdown

Sterling surprised Rossville with a crucial passing touchdown. Jacob Lewis caught a 24-yard pass from quarterback Logan Isaac, marking only the 10th completion of the season for the Black Bears. The extra point was successful, giving Sterling a 35-34 lead with just 52 seconds remaining in the game.

3:03 p.m. (CT): Sterling Drives in the Final Minute

Sterling showcased its resilience by converting three 4th down attempts during this drive. The team advanced to Rossville's 24-yard line with 57 seconds left in the game. Rossville led 34-28 at this point.

2:55 p.m. (CT): Rossville Retakes the Lead

Rossville responded with an 11-play drive that ended in a 1-yard rushing touchdown by quarterback Canann Mitchell. However, the extra point was blocked, leaving the door open for Sterling to make a comeback. Rossville led 34-28 with 6 minutes and 31 seconds remaining in the game.

2:44 p.m. (CT): Zane Farney Helps Sterling Respond

Zane Farney made a significant impact by dragging defenders into the end zone for an 18-yard touchdown. This brought the game back to a tie at 28-28 with 11 minutes and 1 second left in the game.

2:41 p.m. (CT): End of the Third Quarter

At the start of the fourth quarter, Sterling received the ball on its own 43-yard line. Twelve minutes remained in the game, with Rossville leading 28-21.

2:39 p.m. (CT): Rossville Takes Its First Lead

Canann Mitchell scored a 1-yard touchdown after breaking through the defense. Rossville went on a 21-point scoring streak, taking a 28-21 lead at the end of the third quarter.

2:32 p.m. (CT): Rossville's Defense Holds Strong

Rossville's defense forced a punt, which was only the eighth punt of the season for Sterling. The Bulldogs had the ball at their own 39-yard line, with the game tied at 21-21 and 2 minutes and 49 seconds remaining in the third quarter.

2:24 p.m. (CT): The Game is Tied

Rossville completed an 11-play drive that ended with a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Andre Johnson. Before the touchdown, quarterback Canann Mitchell delivered a perfect pass to Cale Horak, setting up the score. The game was tied at 21-21 with 7 minutes and 58 seconds left in the third quarter.

UPDATE: 2:16 p.m. (CT): Second half is underway

Rossville receives the ball and will start the second half at its own 39 yard line. Sterling leads Rossville 21-14.

UPDATE: 2:00 p.m. (CT): HALFTIME: Sterling 21, Rossville 14

Rossville to receive the ball to start the third quarter.

UPDATE: 1:55 p.m. (CT): Rossville scores touchdown before halftime

Rossville scores a massive touchdown right before halftime. Quarterback Canann Mitchell tosses a perfect pass to Conner Bush on a wheel route for 25 yards away. Mitchell also punches in the 2-point conversion to cut into Sterling's lead.

Sterling leads 21-14 with 14 seconds left in the second quarter.

UPDATE: 1:46 p.m. (CT): Sterling scores wild touchdown

Sterling quarterback Logan Isaac fumbled the ball and it bounced straight to running back Zane Farney. The running back broke through the Rossville defense and scores on a 65-yard rushing touchdown.

Sterling leads Rossville 21-6 with 2:44 left in the first half.

UPDATE: 1:43 p.m. (CT): Rossville punts after takeaway

Rossville is forced to punt after earning the takeaway. The Bulldawgs were able to get a first down on a great pass from Canann Mitchell, but an illegal blindside block down the field backs Rossville on third down. The Bulldawgs are unable to move the chains.

Sterling has the ball at its own 21-yard line with 3:00 left in the first half. Sterling leads Rossville 16-4.

UPDATE: 1:37 p.m. (CT): Rossville forces key turnover in red zone

A poor pitch on the option play from Sterling spills the ball into the backfield. Rossville's Landen Lewis is the first one to grab it and the Bulldawgs take over at their own 23-yard line. It's a huge play for Rossville as Sterling's offense was moving towards another touchdown.

Rossville's ball trailing 14-6 with 7:00 to play in the second quarter.

UPDATE: 1:31 p.m. (CT): END 1Q: Sterling 14, Rossville 6

Sterling leads in the Class 1A State Championship game. Zane Farney and Wyatt Newberry each have a rushing touchdown in the opening quarter. Rossville's Canann Mitchell has the lone touchdown for the Bulldawgs, too.

UPDATE: 1:28 p.m. (CT): That's more like it for Rossville football

The Bulldawgs are on the board cutting into Sterling's lead via a 1-yard touchdown from quarterback Canann Mitchell. Mitchell tossed a key pass to Conner Bush for a first down on the drive. Landen Lewis was key on the drive with two first down rushing plays, too.

Sterling leads 14-6 with 46 seconds to play in the first quarter. Rossville did miss the extra point.

UPDATE: 1:22 p.m. (CT): Sterling's rushing attack dominating, adds to the lead

Sterling takes a 14-0 lead over Rossville with 4:07 left in the first quarter. Zane Farney on the halfback dive takes the ball 6-yards for the touchdown. Sterling's offensive line is playing well with each run play going for several yards.

UPDATE: 1:15 p.m. (CT): Rossville forced to punt on first possession

Rossville picks up a first down via a Canann Mitchell long run, but three plays later, the Bulldawgs are forced to punt the ball. Sterling receives the ball at their 49-yard line leading 7-0 with 7:41 left in the first quarter.

UPDATE: 1:10 p.m. (CT): Sterling strikes quick

On the first offensive play of the game, Sterling’s Zane Farney breaks loose for a 53-yard carry. Sterling's flex-bone offense making a big play to start the game.

Rossville’s defense stands tall forcing a 4th down, but Sterling is able to strike first. Wyatt Newberry scores a 6-yard touchdown to put Sterling ahead 7-0 with 9:55 left in the first quarter.

The coin toss

Rossville wins the toss. The Bulldawgs have elected to defer. Sterling will receive the ball to start the game.

Pregame

Rossville football vs Sterling, Class 1A State Championship time

• Date: Friday, Nov. 28
• Start time: 1 p.m. CT
• Where: Gowans Stadium, Hutchinson

Rossville football statistical leaders

• Passing: Canann Mitchell: 1,578 yards, 66%, 18 TDs, 1 INT
• Rushing: Canann Mitchell: 1,013 yards, 18 TDs
• Receiving: Cameron Miller: 523 yards, 32 receptions, 8 TDs

Sterling football statistical leaders

• Passing: Logan Isaac: 209 yards, 47%, 2 TDs 0 INT
• Rushing: Zane Farney: 2,047 yards, 39 TDs
• Receiving: Wyatt Newberry: 152 yards, 5 receptions, 1 TD

Rossville football 2025 schedule

• Sept. 5: vs Silver Lake — Rossville won 28-27 (OT)
• Sept. 12: at St. Marys — Rossville won 40-34
• Sept. 19: vs Nemaha Central — Nemaha Central won 56-28
• Sept. 26: at Maranatha Christian Academy — Rossville won 69-0
• Oct. 3: vs Mission Valley — Rossville won 55-6
• Oct. 10: at Cair Paravel — Rossville won 49-14
• Oct. 17: at Olpe — Rossville won 36-22
• Oct. 24: vs Wabaunsee — Rossville won 49-6
• Oct. 31: vs Mission Valley — Rossville won 71-0
• Nov. 7: vs Jefferson County North — Rossville won 53-18
• Nov. 14: at St. Mary’s Colgan — Rossville won 27-20
• Nov. 21: at Jackson Heights — Rossville won 21-18

Sterling football 2025 schedule

• Sept. 5: vs Sedgwick — Sterling won 47-6
• Sept. 12: at Moundridge — Sterling won 27-15
• Sept. 19: vs Inman — Sterling won 60-47
• Sept. 26: at Ellinwood — Sterling won 43-8
• Oct. 3: vs Medicine Lodge — Sterling won 47-10
• Oct. 10: at Conway Springs — Sterling won 46-20
• Oct. 17: at South Sumner — Sterling won 75-33
• Oct. 24: vs Wichita Trinity — Sterling won 43-12
• Oct. 31: vs Herington — Sterling won 63-6
• Nov. 7: vs Marion — Sterling won 53-14
• Nov. 14: vs Wichita Trinity — Sterling won 44-42
• Nov. 21: vs Smith Center — Sterling won 14-6

Liam Keating covers high school sports for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Sterling football beats Rossville in KSHSAA Class 1A state title game