University earns GSL’s second 3A playoff spot

University secured an automatic place in the 3A state Round of 32 by beating Cheney 26-18 on Saturday at Shadle Park. The four-round Kansas tiebreaker delivered the Greater Spokane League’s second guaranteed playoff berth to the Titans, whose season now continues without an additional Tuesday game.

Toby Thornburg led University with three touchdowns and a two-point conversion. The junior running back scored in each of the first two rounds, then crossed the goal line again in the fourth and added two more points to create an eight-point margin. Grant Peterson also scored for University. Cheney stayed even through three rounds behind touchdowns involving Kaden Rasmussen, Blake Kernan and Ashton Huse, while blocked kicks and failed conversion attempts repeatedly kept the teams close.

Cheney’s last possession ended when Paxton Marticio intercepted a Connor Collins pass that had been deflected at the line. The result marks another step in University’s rise: the Titans won one game two seasons ago, improved to four victories last season and have seven this year.

Cheney can still reach the Round of 32 after placing third in the GSL. The Blackhawks visit Kennewick on Tuesday, with the remaining District 6 berth at stake. Cheney advanced to Saturday’s matchup against University by defeating Mt. Spokane 6-3 earlier that day. Grant Strocsher opened the scoring with a 26-yard field goal for the Wildcats, but Collins later found Ty McKinzie for Cheney’s touchdown. The loss ended Mt. Spokane’s season.