Willard Tigers fall to undefeated Carthage in second round of playoffs

Willard’s Bushnell scores twice in loss; 16 seniors not enough to top home squad
The 2021 football season has come to an end for Willard High School, as the Tigers lost at Carthage, 42-20 in the Class 5, District 6 playoffs on Friday, Nov. 5.
Carthage jumped out to a 35-0 halftime lead but Willard outscored the Tigers 20-7 in the second half, with Owen Bushnell scoring twice and Russell Roweton scoring once. Willard ran 58 plays for 280 total yards and 15 first downs. The Tigers had 131 yards passing and 149 yards rushing.
“Our team can be very proud of how they finished the season and how they competed,” said head coach Frank Tristan. “Carthage is a phenomenal football team and our young men continued to fight. Really proud of our seniors for diligence and commitment to the program.”
Roweton led Willard going 12-for-23 for 131 yards and a touchdown, Bushnell ended the game with 127 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries.
Willard ends their first season under Tristan at 1-10 and will graduate 16 seniors, but the nucleus of this team should be back for next season.