Kansas City Star, The (MO)
June 13, 2003
Edition: METROPOLITAN
Section: SPORTS
Page: D10

All-Star Football Game Canceled
Author: DEREK SAMSON; The Kansas City Star

The Metro Challenge All-Star football game Thursday night at the Olathe District Activity Complex went from intriguing to frustrating to almost comical.

The game, which pitted the top Kansas City-area seniors from Missouri and Kansas, was canceled because of lightning with 11 minutes, 46 seconds remaining in the second quarter. Missouri led 3-0.

Missouri spent the first quarter blowing away Kansas on both sides of the line. The Missouri all-stars took the opening drive 77 yards to the Kansas 3-yard line, but they were forced to settle for a 23-yard field goal from Raymore-Peculiar's Cole Sheriff. Liberty's Byron McCoy had 46 rushing yards on the drive.

Later in the first, Missouri's Brett Clemens of Winnetonka recovered a fumbled punt on the Kansas 32. Missouri again drove to the 3-yard line when a public-address announcement instructed players to leave the field and fans to flee the bleachers.

After 45 minutes and only ominous clouds, the public-address announcer called fans and players back into the stadium. A downpour immediately began, while players warmed up again and fans huddled together for about 15 minutes. Once the officials were located, play was ready to resume.

Lightning. Game over.

It will not be rescheduled.

Copyright 2003 The Kansas City Star Co.