MALCOLM - With a win on Friday, the Johnson County Central football team would have qualified for the postseason for the first time in six years. However, the Thunderbirds were unable to keep up with Malcolm in a 55-14 loss to the Clippers in Malcolm.

Quarterback Eli Waring threw for 157 yards and a touchdown on 8-20 passing. He also ran for a score. His touchdown pass was to Trey Holthus from 27 yards out in the fourth quarter.

“Disappointing could sum up our thoughts on the game,” said Johnson County Central Head Coach Gabe Meints. “All year long we talked about doing your responsibilities and playing smart, and we didn’t do either of those things tonight.” 

The Thunderbirds defense was out of position that led to big plays for the Clippers, according to Meints. He said there were several mental mistakes, including penalties.

"We talk a lot about playing the game the right way, limiting mistakes and taking care of those things that we can control," Meints said. "Unfortunately, we had a handful of players that wanted to do their own thing and it cost us in the end.  Malcolm is a disciplined team with a bunch of talent on their roster and they made some big plays, so credit to them for a well played game.”

Johnson County Central (4-4) will finish their season with a road game at Syracuse on Friday. Kickoff on B103 (103.1 FM, b103.fm) will be at 7 p.m.

Malcolm won their fourth-straight and sit at 4-4. They'll wrap-up the regular season hosting Wilber-Clatonia on Friday.

Follow Hunter on Twitter: @TheBurnRadio