Many factors led to the Lindbergh Flyers 2003 football season coming to a rather unfortunate end last Saturday afternoon.

There were turnovers. There were cases of blown coverage. There were some injuries that were very significant to the Flyers, even though head coach Tom Beauchamp wanted to hear nothing of them, instead just praising the opposition.

What happened to the Flyers was the Hazelwood Central Hawks and their suddenly intimidating and impressive attack.

In a game that was at one point in the second quarter 42-7 in favor of Hazelwood Central, the Flyers were never able to put a significant push and eventually fell, 59-21.

Hazelwood Central now will play at 7:07 p.m. Friday in the Class 6 Show-Me-Bowl where it will take on the 12-0 Blue Springs Wildcats. The Wildcats advanced after knocking off Columbia Hickman, 17-7.

Beauchamp was not exactly excited after seeing the Flyers’ season end, but was able to keep things in perspective — which was obvious in post-game handshakes as many of the Flyers players and coaches had kind words for the Hawks and their efforts to capture the state championship.

It was clear from their encouragement for their foe that the folks at Lindbergh would love to see the Hawks go win it all.

“Hazelwood Central is a very good ball team,” Beauchamp told the Call. “But our kids didn’t give up. They were out there battling and fighting and doing everything they could do to come back. But when it’s over, it’s over. I think our kids know that, and I want them to be gracious.”

And, despite his disappointment that Lindbergh will not return to the Show-Me-Bowl after its 2002 appearance, Beauchamp could not find enough kind words to describe the seniors he is losing.

“These seniors do everything you ask and are well-behaved. This is a very talented group and they are good kids,” he said.

When asked specifically about Brock Bond, Beauchamp just beamed.

“There are just not many kids like him,” he noted, but then spit out numerous names of the other seniors the team will miss.

“But when it’s over, you tell them you love them and that you’re going to miss them,” Beauchamp added.

Bond, despite three interceptions, still threw for 223 yards and had a 13-yard touchdown pass to Chris Geisz. Geisz finished the day with five catches for 74 yards, but it was Andrew Spitzfaden who led all Lindbergh receivers with 109 yards receiving on four grabs.