Both coaches agreed to move up the kickoff, but Mart football took advantage of the early start defeating Falls City 40 to 13.
Panther sophomore quarterback Roddrell Freeman started scoring with a 12-yard touchdown scamper. Mart's defense forced a fumble and a Shatydrick Bailey touchdown later and the Beavers were down 14 to nothing.
Falls City recovered with a Keyshawn Johnson touchdown of their own after a 65 yard back shoulder fade. Mart would not go quietly though as Freeman forced his way into the end zone again for his second touchdown of the night.
The third quarter saw little action from either team, but the fourth is where both teams came alive.
Falls City's Johnson found the end zone again to make it a one-score game, but Freeman responded right back breaking multiple tackles on his way to a third touchdown.
The Beavers made a game of it in the end, but Mart would pull away for the victory.
The Panthers will play for a second straight State Championship Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. inside AT&T Stadium.
Copyright 2018 KXXV. All rights reserved.
