Helias overcomes 13-point deficit, advances to Class 5 State Championship

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Helias is returning to the state championship stage.

The Crusaders (12-1) are moving on to their first state title game since the 2020 season following a 14-13 comeback win over Lafayette (Wildwood) at Ray Hentges Stadium on Friday.

The Lancers held a 13-0 lead halfway through the second quarter, highlighted by a pair of field goals from Jake Ference and a 25-yard touchdown pass from Jack Behl to Terance Bills.

However, Helias sparked some life into its sideline late in the first half. Ben Holee intercepted a pass from Behl deep in Lafayette (Wildwood) territory, setting up a 25-yard touchdown connection between Austin Weaver and CJ Howell. The Crusaders trailed by just six points at halftime and marched down the field midway through the third quarter to take their first lead on a 4-yard touchdown run by Brady Fann.

Lafayette (Wildwood) had an opportunity to retake the lead with a short field goal attempt, but Ben Lanigan blocked the attempt to maintain his team's one-point advantage. The Crusaders proceeded to complete a second half shutout of the Lancers, a program that ended the season averaging more than 37 points per game.

Up next - Helias will make its 10th state championship appearance in program history. The Crusaders will face the winner of Nov. 30's MSHSAA Class 5 State Semifinal between Platte County and MICDS at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 at Faurot Field in Columbia.