RUNGE – After their unbeaten streak came to an end in Yorktown the week before, the Runge Yellow Jackets returned to District 14-1A Division II action as they faced the winless Pettus Eagles on Parents’ Night on Friday night. Utilizing a strong second half push, the Yellow Jackets ensured the Eagles remained winless with a 68-18 victory to clinch one of the top two playoff berths in district, the first playoff berth for Runge since 1997.

“I expected them to contend for the district title,” said Runge head coach Ken Wallace.” I didn’t expect it to be in year two, so that’s a credit to the kids.”

After holding a 21-6 lead at halftime, the Yellow Jackets scored 42 unanswered points before Pettus scored their final two scores of the game. The final score of 68-18 came as time expired, though the extra point was not attempted due to the Yellow Jackets already exceeding the district’s 20-point differential tie breaker threshold.

After the final score of the game, a scuffle between players from both teams broke out. Both coaching staffs and officials quickly broke it up.

This week, the Yellow Jackets will travel to Falls City to face the Beavers for the district championship.

“Our whole attitude is “Why Not Us?”” said Wallace. “Falls City’s had an established program even though they had the coaching change. We’ll be playing for one and two and Woodsboro and Louise are playing for the third spot.”

The winner will earn a coveted first round bye in the Class 1A Division II playoffs.

“The first round bye is the key,” said Wallace. “It lines up well to make a deep playoff run. We want that spot. We’re going to pull out all the stops.”

Kickoff in Falls City is set for Friday, November 9 at 7:30 p.m.