By Andrew DeWitt The St. Joseph News-Press
Posted: October 22, 2011 - 12:18 AM

A lot of little mistakes for Lafayette turned in to a mountain the Fighting Irish couldn’t overcome Friday night.

Platte County beat Lafayette 49-26 at Alumni Stadium. The loss, combined with Savannah’s win at Benton, eliminates Lafayette from the playoffs for the second consecutive season. Platte County hosts Savannah next week to determine home field advantage for the first round.

Lafayette’s offense racked up 573 yards of offense and moved the ball at will but the little things turned out to be the difference.

“At Lafayette, it always seems like the little things that get us,” Lafayette senior offensive lineman Mick Edmondson said, “some little thing is going to beat us at the end. It hurts.”

The mistakes started in the first quarter after running back Jurell Green streaked through a large hole down the sideline 62 yards to put Lafayette up 7-0, but Joe Brown returned the ensuing kickoff 65 yards for a score.

After a three-and-out and a 15-yard punt, the Pirates struck again to take a 14-7 lead on quarterback Krae Kelso’s 5-yard pass to Jordan Mitchell. Lafayette drove 79 yards, but Platte County stopped quarterback D’Treal Stone on a run from inside the 1 on fourth down.

The mistakes continued and included surrendering an onside kick, Stone throwing an interception inside the red zone which Platte County senior linebacker Matt Brantley returned 90 yards for a touchdown and another fumble inside the red zone to start the second half.

In all, Lafayette made three trips to the red zone and came away empty handed.

For the rest of the story click here.