The Caney Valley Bullpups left little doubt about their place among Kansas 2A’s best, closing the regular season unbeaten at 8-0 with a commanding 52-6 victory over Galena on Friday night. On a night dedicated to their seniors, the Bullpups delivered one final statement at home, securing another district title and carrying their momentum into the postseason.
Caney wasted little time setting the tone. After forcing a three-and-out on Galena’s opening possession, the Bullpups needed just five plays to cover 32 yards, with senior Traxcyn Garton powering into the end zone to cap the drive. It was the first of three touchdowns for Garton, who helped lead an offense that showed little inclination to slow down.
The defense was equally relentless. When Galena quarterback Suade Dixon looked down the left sideline on the Bulldogs’ second possession, Konner Paulie reeled in an over-the-shoulder catch for his first of two interceptions. Jace Buckley turned the takeaway into points, punching in a two-yard touchdown run to push Caney’s lead to 16-0.
Paulie continued to make his presence felt on both sides of the ball, adding a nine-yard touchdown reception and returning his second interception 50 yards for a pick-six. He has now recorded three touchdown catches and three interceptions over the past two games, emerging as one of the Bullpups’ most disruptive playmakers. Head coach Criss Davis counts him among the team’s lockdown defenders.
Garton electrified the home crowd with an 85-yard punt return, slicing through would-be tacklers on his way to the end zone, before breaking loose for a 44-yard rushing touchdown. Paired with Paulie’s two scores, the effort sent Caney Valley into the locker room with a commanding 44-6 lead. A running clock governed the final 24 minutes, but Boone White still found room to make his mark, punching in a nine-yard touchdown run in the second half to cap the Bullpups’ emphatic district-clinching victory.
In his 41st season at the helm, Davis has coached more than 400 games. But the veteran head coach remains less concerned with personal milestones than with the young men entrusted to his program, emphasizing their development on and off the field.
The next chapter begins with the postseason. Caney Valley will host its playoff opener and could have two home games ahead, pending the final bracket and seeding.
Friday night, Caney celebrated its seniors and put the finishing touches on a perfect regular season. Now, with eight wins behind them and a championship still within reach, the Bullpups turn their attention to what comes next.
