Purcell’s run in the Class 2A State Playoffs came to an end at Millwood last Friday night.

The defending State Runners-up Falcons defeated the Dragons 38-14.

Purcell finished coach Aaron Dillard’s initial campaign as head coach 9-3 and were District Runners-up.

Boston Knowles had a big night rushing the pigskin for the Dragons with ??? yards on the ground including a 28 yard touchdown scamper.

Kash Guthmueller scored the other Purcell touchdown jetting in from seven yards out.

“Boston had a strong game and our A backs Carter Bennett and Jett Tyler contributed,” Dillard said.

On the defensive side of the ball, Dillard said Brody Holder played well.

“Brody had a strong game making eight tackles from his defensive end position.

“Christian Kirk played well,” Dillard continued. “With Ryker Fink missing we had to slide him over to the Mike linebacker spot. Kash came down hill from his safety position to make a few tackles in space.

“I think we surprised a lot of people but not ourselves.

“We had a lot of guys starting that had not played a lot of football. They were upper classmen but inexperienced on Friday nights. Over the course of the year those guys continued to get better and better.

“We had a lot of freshmen and sophomores get meaningful snaps some because we had to use them due to injuries and others just rotated in. That definitely accelerated the learning curve,” he said.

The Dragons will lose 11 players to graduation in May including Tavian Engert, Brody Holder, Derek Cravens, Payton Rivera, Noah Mason, Ryker Fink, Colt Taylor, Jett Tyler, Nathan Tekaat, Noah Gracey and Carter Goldston.

“We try to work those younger guys in on special teams as early as we can.

“I think we had a very positive year and I’m optimistic about what we have coming back,” Dillard concluded.