On Friday, Nov. 17, the Tigers faced off with the Blue Valley North Mustangs in the 6A east substate game. This was the second time they have met this season, with the first meeting occurring in Week 3 which the Tigers won 34-33, scoring 10 points in the final minute. This was the Tigers’ third substate appearance in the last three years, as they attempted to get back to the State Championship for the third straight year. This was BV North’s first substate appearance in school history.

Both teams came up scoreless on their first possession, but North scored first on a 56-yard touchdown pass. The Tigers then responded with a 72-yard touchdown pass from senior Luke Bernard to junior Cameron Green. The game was back-and-forth for the entire first half, and senior Jackson Likens make a 42-yard field goal as time expired in the first half to give the Tigers a 27-21 advantage.

The second half saw much of the same offensive as the first half. The game was tied 30-30 after another Likens field goal. Each team had a chance to score in the final two minutes, but both could not convert. BV North almost converted a walk-off 46-yard field goal, but the kick fell a few feet short.

In the first overtime, the Tigers got the ball first. Both teams scored touchdowns on their first drive and in the second overtime the Mustangs once again scored. On the Tigers’ second drive of overtime, they failed to convert.

The Tigers finish their season 8-4, while the 8-4 Mustangs advanced to their first State Championship in school history and will face two-time defending champion Derby on Saturday, Nov. 25 at Emporia State University.