They've got the heart... Do they have the game?

Grant spoke of the teams he has knowledge of in the west... I think I'll continue with the three teams that are farther west, who remain in the action.

Scott City, Meade, and Dodge City are all in contention for title games. The thing all three of these schools have in common... they can't seem to get over a certain hump.

For Scott City that hump is the third-round game. Meade's battle is again the mighty force known as Smith Center, while Dodge City's struggle is winning in the post season all together.
Ok so the Demons got over their hump last week... But we'll get to that.

Lets start with the Beavers. It's been said more than once by city schools that teams in the west don't have tough schedules. Coach O'Neil begs to differ. Yesterday I saw the Beavers practice, and when I asked O'Neil what he though about the talk of his teams weak schedule, he rolled his eyes at me. It makes me laugh when they do that. Although his thought process was completely rational. He mentioned Norton, Pratt, and Hoisington; all teams who have had winning programs for years, and Scott City played them all this season. As far as the conference teams they played... He says the Beavers are just superior. I would agree.

Scott City faces a tough Wichita Collegiate team Saturday afternoon. The Spartans have played teams like Nickerson, Halsted, Douglas, Garden Plain... need I go on. Not to mention have one heck of a quarterback in Blake Jablonski. Jablonski has attempted almost 300 passes, and he's completed nearly 200; not to mention he's earned over 3000 yards in the air. WOW!!
Pressuring this kid will be the key to Scott City's success Saturday. The Beavers aren't use to a spread team. In the west schools who are 3A and below utilize the running game. They have, however, incorporated more D'backs, and speed in the secondary to make up for that strong arm.

Now for their hump. This will be the fourth consecutive time the Beavers have faced this game. Not faced Collegiate, but the third round. In 2006 Garden Plain defeated Scott, in 2007 it was Conway Springs who took out the Beavers, and last year Garden Plain got the better of them again scoring two touchdowns in the last three minutes of the game to take the win. HEARTBREAKER! The players told me yesterday they still aren't over that loss. Which means the Beavers have had gas poured on their fire for the past three years... and the flame is stronger than ever. Play on Scott City, play on!

Our next stop... Meade. I really feel for the Buffs this season. They have been handed a terrible hand when it comes to critiques. People haven't given them credit for their full potential. Most have just said they won't be the team they were last season considering they lost 13 seniors who were crucial to the Buffs game offensively and defensively.

As far as I'm concerned this season's team is BETTER. Mainly because the kids who are playing this season have sat in the shadows of last year's seniors for three seasons and want to make a name for themselves, which they have effectively done. Kids like Jordan Moshier, who is a very talented linebacker, Colton Little, who can put some yards in play when necessary, Jaden Friesen, Albert Davis, Kellan Hernandez, who have all three rushed for over 500 yards on the season and Friesen is pushing 1000, have made this season perfect (literally, they are 11-0) for the Buffs. So give them some credit.

I mentioned the Buffs as a team I was anxious to cover this season knowing they would be a 2A powerhouse out here... I was ridiculed. It was because LaCrosse beat them last season. I wouldn't agree with LaCrosse beating them... I'd say it was Marshall Musil who beat them. In fact, the Buffs railed LaCrosse this year 48-12.

Ok, Ok... so they have quite a hump to get over.... Smith Center. We all know what a great team they are... (and if you don't just ask Grant... He loves to talk about the good ole Redmen) It goes without saying their 77 wins are an outstanding accomplishment, but lets get real... every dynasty evenually falls. This one is a strong one, so who knows when it will fall, but it will. Why not give Meade the benefit of the doubt and say they have just as great of chance as any other team at knocking the Red's off. Hey, It could happen.

Moving into 6A... I'll touch a little on my previous statement. Dodge City has already conquered its Demon (Pun Intended) Their hump was to win a game in playoffs... something they haven't done for 15 years, until now. Last Saturday Dodge played and dominated (in the second half anyway) Topeka High. In large part thanks to Jace Banner.

We've all heard his name a million and one times this season and I'm sure we will hear it until the Demons end their season. Last week Banner rushed for 310 yards, which set a new school record for most yards rushed in a single game. He's over 1100 on the season with 152 carries. It's safe to say Demon coaches are glad Banner is wearing red this year.

So we'll take Dodge's hump one step further... How about winning a second game in post season.... That task hasn't been done since, well... honestly, I don't even know. It's been over two decades. This week they face a tough Derby team. When I say tough Derby... I mean tough Devin Hedgepeth and his 3-4 defense, who you can be sure will try an contain Banner, which means the Demons may have to use Bruce Campbell... Laton Dowling.... Steven Mills... or even go to the air.

The last time Dodge was faced with a second-round game ironically enough it was Derby, and the Panthers won it 19-0 in 1994. Will history repeat itself... I'll give you highlights on the CIK show Friday night.