Postseason hopes down to final week for Prairie after loss

MUSCATINE - Everything comes down to next week for Cedar Rapids Prairie.

The Hawks struggled to find any offensive rhythm and allowed 24 straight points in a 31-10 loss to Muscatine last night at Muscatine Community Stadium.

Prairie (3-4, 1-2) must win next week's game at Ottumwa to earn a postseason berth.

The Hawks turned the ball over three times to Muscatine, committed five false start penalties in the first half alone and were forced to punt eight times.

To make matters worse, Prairie quarterback Trey Beckman took a borderline late shot to the helmet deep in the third quarter. Beckman did not return.

Muscatine quarterback Matt Wieskamp completed only six passes for the game, but three were for touchdowns.

Wieskamp connected with Spencer Beatty on a 60-yard TD on a nice rollout pass in the second quarter.

After the Muskies forced a fumble, Wieskamp hit Kolby Reed on a 7-yard score.

Five minutes later, Reed and Wieskamp hooked up for a 58-yard touchdown and a 21-7 halftime lead.

The Muskies (6-2, 3-1) locked up the second playoff spot in District 6 with the win.

No.1 and undefeated Cedar Rapids Washington clinched the district title on Thursday.

Losses last night from Prairie and Ottumwa push Iowa City High into the postseason, despite a 2-6 overall record heading into the final week.

Prairie's game next week at Ottumwa will determine the final playoff team in the district.

The Hawks cut Muscatine's lead to 24-10 with Samuel Drysdale's 39-yard field goal with 2:36 left in the third quarter.

Prairie forced punts on the Muskies' next three possessions, but couldn't capitalize.

Prairie actually led 7-0 early in the game after the Muskies failed to convert a fake punt in their own territory.

Three plays later, Beckman ran for a 29-yard score with 9:29 left in the second quarter.

But it was all Muscatine after that.

Beckman finished 10 of 23 for 82 yards passing. He added 62 rushing yards.