BY JIM MISUNAS

jmisunas@gbtribune.com

CLAFLIN — The Comeback Kids from Central Plains were down to their last offensive snap twice when quarterback Brodie Crites kept his cool when everyone around him had an opportunity to panic.

What happened was perhaps the greatest finish in Oiler football history.

Crites rushed for two first downs on fourth down scrambles and added the finishing touch with a perfectly-lofted 26-yard touchdown strike to Joel Schreiber for the game-winning touchdown in a wild 28-25 semifinal victory over Clifton-Clyde in Friday's 8-Man Division 1 semifinal.

Eagle quarterback Jack Skocny completed a 35-yard pass to Oliver Nobert to reach the Oiler 21-yard line with 5 seconds left. Oliver Nobert  attempted a game-tying 38-yard field goal, but the snap was off target as Oiler Landon Daniels smothered the football, setting off a wild celebration.

Schreiber caught Crites' touchdown pass in stride.

"It's unbelievable. There's no words to describe that play,' Schreiber said. "I'm glad I could help my team. I love this team so much. We're a second-half team. I knew we could do it. Brodie's scrambles kept us alive."

The Eagles were one defensive stop from a state championship game twice. Crites escaped a blitz from Oliver Nobert to secure the second first down.

"My guys were covered," Crites said. "I saw a lane and went for the first downs. Those runs were two of my favorites. But that touchdown pass was my top play ever."

Oiler coach J.D. Johnson said Crites delivered with a state title berth on the line. 

"Brodie is an athlete, one of the best," Johnson said "He's a student of the game. He learns and keeps battling. He showed a lot of maturity."

The Oilers (10-2) rallied from halftime deficits in four consecutive playoff games. The 2-time state champion Oilers play No. 1 ranked Hoxie (12-0) at 7 p.m. Oct. 30 at Greensburg.

"Getting behind seems like a bold strategy, but it's working," Johnson said. "They keep fighting and battling. They don't hang their heads. I'm so proud of this group. We've been counted out all season, but our guys never give up."

Oliver Nobert's 21-yard field goal gave the Eagles a 25-22 lead with 1:28 left. Oiler Aiden Hekele delivered two key tackles after Oliver Nobert's 20-yard halfback pass to Trextin Koch gave the Eagles first-and-goal at the 4-yard line. 

The Eagles roared to a 14-0 lead behind flawless play. Skocny's 30-yard punt return set up Koch's 2-yard touchdown. Skocny sprinted 60 yards off a quarterback scramble for a 14-0 lead after is 2-pointer.

Of course, the Oilers rallied. That's what Oilers do.

Eli Hurley scored on 10-yard reverse play for a 14-6 score. The Oilers tied it 14-14 when Hekele caught an 11-yard touchdown reception on fourth down off a tipped pass. Schreiber added the 2-pointer.

The Eagles responded on Oliver Noberts 24-yard scoring dash on a quick 51-yard drive.

Of course, the Oilers rallied. That's what Oilers do.

Hurley scored on a 1-yard touchdown. Schreiber caught a tying 2-point pass from Crites after a 5-yard penalty for a 22-22 tie with 7:48 left. 

Schreiber rushed for 98 yards and had 39 yards receiving. Crites completed 11 passes for 97 yards. Skocny rushed for 118 yards, 33 after halftime.

"We wrapped and tackled him," Johnson said.

Clifton Clyde 14 0 8 3 — 25

Central Plains 0 6 16 6 — 28

CC—Trextin Koch 2 run (run fails); CC—Jack Skocny 60 run (Skocny run);  CP—Eli Hurley 10 run (pass fails); CP—Aiden Hekele 11 pass from Brodie Crites (Joel Scheiber run); CC—Oliver Nobert 24 run (Skocny run); CP—Eli Hurley 1 run (Schreiber pass from Crites); CC—Oliver Nobert 21 FG; CP—Schreiber 26 pass from Crites (pass fails)

RUSHING—CC—43-203; Skocny 22-118, Koch 18-61; Oliver Nobert 2-30; team 1-(-6); CP—37-133; Schreiber 19-98; Crites 6-18; Hurley 11-16, Richard Stroud 1-1

PASSING—CC—Skocny, 5-9-1, 57; Oliver Nobert 1-1-0, 20; CP—Crites 11-21-0, 97

RECEIVING—CC—Oliver Norbert 3-48; Koch 1-20; Luke Nobert 1-9; CP—Aiden Hekele 4-49; Schreiber 3-39; Paxton Dody 2-9; Hurley 1-0