From staff reports
sports@joplinglobe.com
LOCKWOOD, Mo. — Lockwood secured a playoff berth by defeating McAuley Catholic 30-8 Thursday night in a prep football regular-season finale.
The Tigers (6-4) finished second behind Class 1 District 4 winner Jasper. Lockwood travels to Thayer, 8-1 and the District 3 champion, for a first-round playoff game on Tuesday night. Thayer won its season finale 48-12 over Cabool.
Joseph Preston’s 60-yard run produced Lockwood’s first touchdown. Patrick Whittington added the 2-point conversion, and he scored on a 23-yard run later in the period to give the Tigers a 14-0 lead.
Chance Mayden’s 22-yard run and conversion run widened the margin to 22-0 at halftime, and Blake Abbiatti’s 3-yard run and Garrett Eldred’s conversion run completed the Lockwood scoring.
McAuley (0-9) scored on Austin Metts’ 18-yard pass to Sam Maher, and Ben Street added the conversion run.
Metts completed five passes for a total of 67 yards. Maher caught two passes for 51 yards.
Lockwood rushed for 250 yards, including 70 by Joseph on six carries, 57 by Isaac Lasater on seven carries, 48 by Whittingon on 11 carries and 45 by Mayden on five attempts.
