Ruthven, Ia (Northwest Iowa Now) – It was a high flying, classic 8-Player contest Friday night in Ruthven as GTRA hosted North Union in the first round of the 8-Player Playoffs.

The Warriors held a 14-8 lead after the first quarter and were able to extend that lead to 20 at one point before the Titans charged back to make it a 1 possession game going into the half.

The two KICD 9-County Area teams traded scores the rest of the way.

GTRA trailed 48-34 with 7:42 left in the game when Kenny Ness took a kickoff 50 yards for a Touchdown.

The Warriors struck back with an outstanding drive, taking 5 Minutes and 10 seconds off the clock, and converting a 4th down and 8 into a 19-yard Touchdown run for Greyson Colegrove.

The Titans were able to cap off the game with a scoring drive but came up short 56-48.

North Union advances with the win to the 8-Player Playoffs second round. They will know their opponent when pairings come out Saturday morning.

GTRA’s season comes to an end after a 8-0 regular season record and a District 1 Championship.