Wolves kick last-second field goal to beat Eagles, keep Boss Hogg trophy and extend district winning streak to 19 games


When West Plains needed a hero Friday night, Slade Russell was more than ready to answer the call.

With the Wolves trailing rival Canyon by one point and just over two minutes remaining, the senior running back put the offense on his shoulders and delivered a finish West Plains fans won't soon forget.

Russell powered his way through the Canyon defense on a remarkable final drive, setting up Gipson Gnagy's game-winning 29-yard field goal in the closing seconds to give West Plains a thrilling 18-16 victory at Happy State Bank Stadium.

And just like that, the Boss Hogg trophy is staying with the Wolves for another year.

Russell Takes Over When It Matters Most

Canyon appeared headed for a comeback victory after Austin Turner broke loose for a 30-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter, giving the Eagles a 16-15 advantage.

But West Plains wasn't finished.

After the Wolves stopped Canyon's two-point conversion attempt, West Plains took possession at its own 24-yard line with 2:31 remaining.

That's when Russell went to work.

Forget the passing game. Forget trick plays. The Wolves put their faith in their senior workhorse, and he rewarded them with nine consecutive carries covering 63 yards.

Behind a determined offensive line, Russell repeatedly hammered away at the Eagles' defense, moving West Plains to the Canyon 12-yard line with 19 seconds left.

Gnagy handled the rest, drilling the winning field goal and sending the Wolves' sideline into celebration.

Russell finished with 217 rushing yards on 34 carries while adding four receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown.

That's a pretty good night at the office.

Wolves Survive Mistakes and Canyon Comeback

The rivalry showdown wasn't always pretty for West Plains.

Quarterback Timber Russell threw two first-quarter interceptions before settling down and connecting with older brother Slade on a 25-yard touchdown pass.

West Plains carried an 8-3 advantage into halftime before extending its lead to 15-3 on Paxton Chandler's 13-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter.

Canyon wasn't about to roll over.

Turner answered with a 1-yard touchdown run, trimming the deficit to 15-10 before his fourth-quarter scoring burst briefly put the Eagles ahead.

Turner was outstanding, rushing for 218 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries. Quarterback Brox Hacker added 139 rushing yards as Canyon matched West Plains with 436 yards of total offense.

The defenses also had their moments.

West Plains' Bentley Chandler recorded 16 tackles, including two for loss, while brother Paxton added 12 stops. Canyon's Asher Cunningham finished with 16 tackles and an interception.

Boss Hogg Stays Home

The victory carries plenty of weight beyond bragging rights.

West Plains improves to 4-3 overall and 2-0 in District 2-4A Division I, moving into first place while extending its district winning streak to 19 games dating back to 2022.

The Wolves have now beaten Canyon five consecutive times and claimed the Boss Hogg traveling trophy for the fourth straight year.

Canyon falls to 5-2 overall and 1-1 in district play.

For West Plains, this was another reminder that championship-caliber teams find ways to win even when things get messy.

And when the game was on the line Friday night, the Wolves had the perfect answer.

Give Slade Russell the football and let him go to work.