STRAFFORD - When Strafford employs its aptly named "tank" formation, it's a steady force.
With the two-pronged backfield of running backs Silas Morton and Caleb Wells coupled with a physical offensive front, Strafford had the means to get tough yards when they deviate from their passing game,
Strafford clipped Ava 39-32 in a Class 2 District 3 quarterfinal on Friday after Caleb Wells' 18-yard go-ahead touchdown run midway through the fourth quarter, the last of a 10-play, 88-yard drive that was exclusively on the ground.
Strafford, which briefly trailed 32-31 after losing a double-digit lead, knew what it had to do to keep its season alive and beat the Bears for the second time in nine weeks.