St. Marys ? Veritas Christian’s football team played even with St. Mary’s Academy in the second half but fell, 54-26, on Friday night.

St. Mary’s led 28-0 at halftime, but both teams scored 26 points in the second half.

“We played a lot better in the second half,” Veritas coach Blake Mudd said. “Our kids fought hard and finished the game. Losing is never acceptable, but when you’re down like that, you battle.

Veritas suited only nine players because of injuries.

Seth Hale gained 129 yards and scored one touchdown on 26 carries for Veritas. Thatcher Martin had 84 yards receiving and caught two touchdown passes from Mark Weinhold.

Veritas (3-5) will play Thursday at Manhattan Flint Hills Christian.

St. Mary’s Academy 54, Veritas 26

Veritas 0 0 6 20 — 26

St. Mary’s 20 8 12 14 — 54

Veritas scoring: Mark Weinhold 1 run (run failed); Thatcher Martin 35 pass from Weinhold (Seth Hale run); Martin 8 pass from Weinhold (run failed); Hale 36 run (run failed).