Platte Valley beat Kent Denver 29-23, handing the Sun Devils their first loss of the season in the Colorado High School Activities Association Class 2A State Football Playoffs semifinals.

Platte Valley came out on top with the win after trailing 17-0 in the second quarter, as the Broncos’ defense held Kent Denver’s explosive offense to zero points in the second half.

In the second half, the Broncos came out strong and determined to get back into the game. Platte Valley was able to convert play after play on the legs of junior running back Drew Neuerburg.

Platte Valley quarterback Tanner Schwindt got his team back in the game when he scored on a quarterback sneak to make it a two-point game at 23-21.

The Broncos converted a fourth-and-4 play for a first down with a pass to senior Mathew Hoffman. Schwindt then threw a 10-yard, game-winning touchdown pass to senior receiver Parker Gilliland for a 29-23 lead with 46 seconds left in the game.

Kent Denver tried to get in the end zone before the game ended, but Kent Denver quarterback Rob Casey was sacked and fumbled the ball, sealing the game for Platte Valley, who will host Bayfield in the Class 2A state championship next Saturday.

heraldsports@durangoherald.com