Augusta falls on the road against Chanute

Augusta running back Owen Roberts breaks through the tackles of Chanute defenders Asher Love (22) and Kysen Seamster during the first half of Chanute's 22-6 win in Chanute, Kansas on September 5, 2025. Photo credit Kynleigh Oliver Photographs for this report were provided by the Southeast Kansas Sports Exchange, a partnership among regional high schools and publications facilitated by the Pittsburg State University Department of Communication’s multimedia journalism program.

BY CHARLES CHANEY

CHANUTE, Kan. — Augusta left Chanute on Friday night with more frustration than points, as a controversial goal-line call late in the first half proved pivotal in the Orioles’ 22-6 loss to the Blue Comets.

Chanute struck first when Kris Harding II found Kasen Audiss in the back of the end zone with 16 seconds left in the opening quarter for a 7-0 lead. From there, the game bogged down into a defensive struggle, highlighted by turnovers and missed opportunities on both sides.

The biggest swing came just before halftime. Augusta had driven inside the 5 after converting a fourth down, and appeared to be inches away from tying the game. The Oriole ball carrier stretched toward the goal line, but officials ruled he fumbled before crossing the plane. Chanute recovered in the end zone with 39 seconds left, halting the drive.

It appeared Augusta’s Owen Roberts had reached across the goal line for the score but officials said he didn’t. COURTESY SPORTGUS.com/Gus Garcia

Chanute quickly gave the ball back when Harding fumbled on a scramble, and Brody Haskell recovered for the Orioles. Augusta had another chance, but a holding penalty derailed the possession and they went into halftime still trailing 7-0.

Augusta’s defense kept the game within reach in the second half. After the Orioles threw an interception, they responded with a key fourth-down stop to give the ball back at Chanute’s 29 with 3:50 left in the third quarter. Owen Roberts burst through for a big gain to set up Augusta’s first points of the night. The quarterback sneaked in from short range on back-to-back plays to cap the drive, trimming the lead to 7-6. The extra point missed wide with 1:57 remaining in the quarter, a costly miss that left Augusta chasing.

Chanute regained control in the final minutes. Facing fourth down, Harding hit a receiver for a touchdown with two minutes left to extend the lead. On the ensuing kickoff, Chanute pounced on a fumble, setting up another quick score. Harding sealed the victory with a 1-yard keeper to make it 22-6 with 1:33 left.

Roberts led Augusta with 91 yards rushing on 17 carries, while Haskell added 34 yards on the ground and threw for 94, though he was intercepted three times. Roberts also caught a pass and contributed in the return game. Haskell’s lone big connection came on a 36-yard strike to Albert.

For Chanute, Brayden Duncan carried 17 times for 94 yards, and Harding finished 7-of-16 for 102 yards through the air with one passing touchdown and one rushing score.

Augusta continues its road stretch next week at Buhler, which defeated Mulvane, 34-27, on Friday night. They will open their home schedule in two weeks at Hillier Stadium in two weeks.

Chanute 22, Augusta 6

Augusta 0 0 6 0 — 6
Chanute 7 0 0 15 — 22

First quarter
C—Audiss 22 pass from Harding II (kick good)
A—Ingram 1 run (run failed)
C—Seamster 6 pass from Harding II (pass failed)
C—Harding II 1 run (kick good)

RUSHING: Augusta – Roberts 17-91; Haskell 7-34; Bridwell 1-21; Ingram 4-7. Totals 29-171. Chanute – Duncan 17-94; Harding II 10-24; Patterson 7-20; TEAM 1-(-2). Totals 35-136.

PASSING: Augusta – Haskell 9-21-3, 94. Chanute – Harding II 7-16-0, 102.

RECEIVING: Augusta – Ingram 2-15; Schwinn 2-28; Roberts 1-11; Bridwell 2-4; Albert 2-36. Chanute – Seamster 1-6; Manly 3-59; Thompson 2-15; Audiss 1-22.

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