Clayton Ridge grabs automatic playoff bid with overtime win at West Branch

WEST BRANCH — What a way to earn a playoff spot.

Clayton Ridge's Jace Moore threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Sawyer Schmelzer in a thrilling, 33-27, overtime win over West Branch Friday night at the Little Rose Bowl.

Moore threw for 267 yards and four touchdowns to help the Eagles (7-2, 6-1) clinch a playoff berth as the runner-up in Class 1A District 7.

West Branch (6-3, 5-2) was stopped near the 1-yard line in its overtime possession. But the Bears also advanced to the Class 1A playoffs, earning one of two statewide wild card spots.

Luke Lenoch ran for 222 yards and four touchdowns for West Branch. Lenoch was injured on the first play of overtime and did not return.

West Branch took a 27-21 fourth-quarter lead on Lenoch's 41-yard touchdown run with six minutes left. The Bears didn't convert the extra point after a bad snap and hold on the kick.

Moore hit Robby Sweers for a 5-yard touchdown in the corner of the end zone with 1:09 remaining to tie the game, but Clayton Ridge's PAT sailed wide left to force overtime.

Moore helped the Eagles dig out of a 1st-and-27 on that final fourth-quarter possession, completing 5 of 6 passes on the drive.

Clayton Ridge got the ball back late in regulation, but its 48-yard field goal try with no time left fell way short.

Lenoch ran for an 11-yard touchdown run with 56 seconds left in the second quarter for a 14-14 halftime tie.

Lenoch had an 18-yard TD scamper down the sideline in the first quarter. The senior carried six times for 63 yards on the Bears' first possession.

Clayton Ridge scored on its first two possessions before the offense stalled. The Eagles didn't gain a first down in the second or third quarter.

The Eagles opened the game with 17-play drive that chewed up nearly 6 minutes — capped off by Ihde's 4-yard touchdown run.

Clayton Ridge's Sawyer Schmelzer turned a quick slant pass into a 42-yard touchdown later in the first quarter.