Frankfort’s turnaround continued Wednesday in Manhattan, as the Wildcats came within one win of reaching the Class 2-1A State Championship game just two years after reviving the program in 2024.

Standing in their way was perennial powerhouse and defending state champion St. Marys-Colgan. Despite a strong effort from the Wildcats, the Panthers held on for a 4-3 semifinal victory.

Colgan jumped out to an early advantage, scoring two runs in the first inning and adding two more in the third to build a 4-0 lead.

Jayden Brown opened the game with a triple and later scored on a throwing error, while Carston Simmons added an RBI single to cap the first inning. In the third, Simmons and Gabe Brown each drove in a run to extend the Panthers’ lead.

Frankfort answered in the fourth inning, scoring all three of its runs despite recording just one hit in the frame. Creighton Farrar delivered an RBI bunt single, Peyton Adams brought home a run on a fielder’s choice, and Gage Wanklyn drew a bases-loaded walk to trim the deficit to 4-3.

The game turned into a pitching duel over the final three innings, with the two teams combining for just one hit during that stretch. Frankfort was retired in order in the seventh inning as Colgan secured the win and advanced to the state championship game.

Adams pitched a complete game for the Wildcats, allowing four runs on four hits across seven innings. Colgan used a combination of Jayden Brown, Brock Radell, and Gabe Brown on the mound, with the trio combining for 13 strikeouts.

Frankfort will face Rossville in the consolation game Thursday afternoon in Manhattan, with first pitch scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Live play-by-play coverage will be available on 92.1 KMZA and 96.9 The Pulse.

St. Marys-Colgan advances to Friday’s Class 2-1A State Championship game against Thomas More Prep as the Panthers pursue the program’s 23rd state title.