Weekend Rusher (Districts I)

Friday night, the opening week of football districts, was heard from afar by this observer. On the back end of my honeymoon in northern California, I took a respite from my merrymaking to tune in to a couple of online radio broadcasts back home.

 

First observation: Game time for me out West was 5:00 p.m. instead of 7:00 p.m. Thus, postgame was merely dinnertime for me. I would extend my glee at this realization to all sports I watched throughout the week. College football games on Saturday started on 8 a.m., and the World Series night games out East started in early evening. Time in California is a life-changer for the better in terms of tuning in to East Coast and Midwest sports, I have no doubts about that.

 

Radio-related observations: Rusty Hilst and Eric Armstrong are a killer broadcast combo on Hutch football games. Hilst sets up each play very descriptively, and Armstrong certainly knows the game of football. They pick up the players' names on the field very well. What I appreciate most, though, is that Hilst keeps everything in perspective. He avoids the highs and lows of some homers. He is even-keeled, spreads out the credit and just tells listeners what's going on without getting emotionally involved. Kudos. (Conversely, I could hear the muffled McPherson play-by-play in the background, because the guy was screaming hoarsely on every big play.)

 

Football-related observations: Doug Downs and Walt Bettis, who had the MHF broadcast on KNSS, got to call the game of the night, Garden Plain at Conway Springs. I think in most minds, Conway was the underdog in this game, but now they have won two in a row in this rivalry. The two likely have not battled for the last time this season, either, as a sub-state re-match is likely after they finish 1-2 in 3A District 12 and win their first three playoff games. If the re-match does materialize, it will be the teams' sixth meeting in three seasons.

 

As much as that excites me, it's a little ridiculous, isn't it? I really enjoyed hearing Ted Woodward's comment on Vype's Friday Sports Daily segment (by podcast) regarding district play back in the days when only one team from each district made the playoffs: "The last three weeks of the season were like Armageddon!"

 

No longer. If you lose in district play to another top team, just wait for a second chance one month later. Garden Plain felt the sting of this reality very sharply last season when Conway, one month after losing to GP 21-7 in district play, hosted Garden Plain at home for sub-state despite being the team with two losses on the season (GP had none). Conway throttled them 45-25 before winning the state title.

 

Conway had better watch it; the Owls may return the favor this November, though it's likely GP will have a first-round playoff battle at Collegiate awaiting them first. I don't know whether to say poor Garden Plain, or poor Collegiate, so I'll just say what I always say: We must reform the system so that the regular season matters more in terms of who and how many make the playoffs.

 

The annual situation played out between Garden Plain and Conway Springs may happen in two other classifications (as I detailed in the October issue of Vype, now on stands). Andale maintained its stranglehold on Class 4A Friday night by embarrassing previously undefeated Buhler. I was not shocked that Buhler scored just 28 points, 20 fewer than they had scored in their next-lowest output of the season; I was surprised that they let their guard down.

 

None of their six blowout victories this season meant anything going into the game against Andale, a team which had owned them in recent years. Nothing that had happened for Buhler this season had any relevance in this game. Buhler had everything to prove; that's why I was shocked by their four first-half turnovers. I thought they would be ready to get back at Andale for all the previous losses.

 

Andale, though, had done something like this before. Overmatched in 2007 in the state quarterfinals at Topeka Hayden, Andale made plays to stay in the game, including forcing turnovers. Lucas Hein stripped the ball from Hayden late in the first half as they marched to a touchdown which would have put them up 14 points at halftime. Hein's strip, however, led to an Andale touchdown instead, tying the game at the half.

 

This time, Andale wasn't trying to stay in the game. They were dominating. But this team has always had a knack for creating turnovers. I'm sure if a re-match at sub-state materializes, Buhler will be ready, but Andale's convincing win certainly gives them the inside track to another state title.

 

Andale's level of dominance is frightening. Three state titles in four seasons in Class 4A would be a truly great accomplishment.

 

Finally, coach Tom Young and McPherson must go back to the drawing board once again, which has to be disappointing after the Bullpups played the first half against Hutch at such a high level. McPherson formed sustained drives against the Salthawks throughout the first half and would have gone into the break tied 21-21 if not for a Nate Thomas interception in Hutch's own end zone in the closing minute.

 

Instead, Hutch used the momentum of Thomas' big play and another big play on defense in the second half to trounce McPherson for the third consecutive time 55-20.

 

That second big defensive play was made by -- who else -- Justin Goetz. If you're looking for an all-round excellent football player to enjoy watching this season, go to a Hutch game and keep an eye on Goetz. No, he does not have his counterpart Geneo Grissom's D-1 frame (though I'm not saying he's spry, he's 6'1" and over 200 pounds and very athletic), but he's got to be one of the smartest defensive football players in the state. Hutch had just gone up 35-20, but Mac had shown it could still drive the ball in the second half, scoring a touchdown on a tip ball. It was then that Goetz read a McPherson screen pass, which was going to go for huge yardage, and slipped under quarterback Joel Piper's pass and took it to the end zone. The score was then 42-20, and the game was all but over. What's amazing is that it was Goetz' third interception return for a touchdown this season.

 

He's a defensive end. He's rewriting the book on how to play the position.

 

Coach Randy Dreiling called Goetz' ability "uncanny".

 

Goetz also ran under a batted pass against Rockhurst in the season opener to push the score to 35-14 Hutch in the opening seconds of the second quarter. That game seemed all but over after that play, as well.

 

The Mac-Hutch game sounded so odd to me. It certainly wasn't a typical Hutch win, despite the gaudy 35-point deficit. Barring the Thomas interception in the end zone to close the first half and Goetz's interception return in the third quarter, and offering in return a Mac touchdown to close the half and a big play on the screen pass instead, McPherson realistically could have been driving to to tie the game at 35 midway through the third quarter.

 

Hutch won on Friday on the basis of playmaking, which is a refreshing reminder. In my many exposes on coach Randy Dreiling, I often do not emphasize enough the fact that players play this game. Teams cannot win without players stepping up. That's my other point about Andale, too. I've heard several times this season from fans, players and coaches that Andale has been fortunate to be helped by opponents' turnovers this season. Correction, people: Andale has helped itself by consistently causing turnovers. There isn't another play in football that displays a player's ability to just step and make a play than when causing a turnover.

 

In terms of yardage production, Mac was Hutch's equal, and in terms of time of possession, Mac was superior for two and half quarters. But Hutch's players stepped up bigger. Bottom line.

 

It's absolutely incredible that the Salthawks have the firepower to put up such an embarrassing line score against a team which didn't belong in the same company of victims as the rest of Hutch's opponents this season. But there they are, losers by 35 points, just like the rest.

 

I really don't see how Mac gives Hutch a better run at a potential sub-state re-match than they did in this one, but I'll leave that up to coach Young.

 

Question and Verdict

At the end of the Mel Hambelton Ford Game Of the Week broadcast Friday night at Conway Springs, Doug Downs brought up on-air to publisher Mike Cooper the topic of whether it could be determined there was a Vype cover "curse". Buhler, which was beaten 41-28 by Andale that night, appeared on the most recent October cover (though Andale is also on the cover, insetted), and Kapaun cross country runner Mackenzie Maki, who appeared on the previous cover in September, has struggled to compete with Carroll freshman Kaelyn Balch this season. Verdict: There isn't really one, but Downs did end the conversation by saying Vype does great, positive things for schools and communities in the area. Thanks, Doug. I'll work on the cover issue.

 

Xs&Os

Goetz had this to say to Eagle game story writer Taylor Eldridge about his game-clinching interception return for a TD in the third quarter of Hutch's game at McPherson: "A lot of teams run that screen. My tackle just left real fast and I followed back, then I saw the quarterback looking right at him. I knew it was coming, so I went after it." Great job to Eldridge for picking out this excellent quote for his story. He got a player to explain how a play materialized. It made me think very highly of Goetz. He's not just ramming his way through the line every play. He's processing what's happening around him and basing his play accordingly. That's good to see. One of the important points of athletics is for kids to learn how to think on their own, not just follow directions constantly.

 

Ranking Coming Tomorrow

 

Winners and Those Who Could Become Big Winners

Andale reigns supreme. Does anything phase an Andale football team anymore? Last year at sub-state at home against Hayden, I think they were probably just beaten by a better team, 20-12. But outside of their 14-13 loss at Winfield last year, this team just doesn't slip up.

 

Kapaun put up points in a hurry Friday while stomping Ark City. Games against Winfield and Newton won't be as easy, though I think Kapaun wins this district again. What will the playoffs bring? Hopefully not McPherson again. Although, you have to play the best eventually.

 

South really showed me something Friday. After their win the previous week against Heights, I almost expected a letdown. Didn't happen. South handled North, as their recent run warranted. Cory Brack has really infused his kids with belief. Doing what was expected against North brought that fact to the forefront.

 

Quote of the Week 1

"We are interested in the experience of the party and government structures in China, where cooperation exists between the ruling party and the judicial, legislative and executive authorities."

-Said by a deputy in the Russian Parliament to the New York Times in Sunday's edition. If any players taking government or teachers instructing it read this, I challenge you to make this a point of discussion in class this week. What exactly is wrong with such a situation? Email me at tom.witherspoon@vype.com.

 

Quote of the Week 2

"The inspiration is the deadline."

-Said by dance choreographer Paul Taylor to New York Times Magazine when asked how he is inspired to complete his work.

 

Quote of the Week 3 (Back to sports)

"All those that said anything against me, keep eating your words."

-Argentina national soccer team coach Diego Maradona, after defeating Uruguay 1-0 to qualify his team for the World Cup. Argentina narrowly qualified, as the national team has been mediocre at best since Maradona took over. Maradona, whose soccer skill displayed adroitly in the 1980s many Argentines believe to have been inspired by God but whose reputation has crumbled through continual bouts with cocaine use for two decades, directed the statement at journalists who questioned his coaching abilities and character. I have yet to hear a high school coach lash out in this way.

 

Stat of the Week 1

Entering Week 8, Hutch already has two 1,000-yard rushers -- Josh Smith and Deveon Dinwiddie.

 

Stat of the Week 2

Buhler managed just 14 points in the first three quarters at Andale Friday night. In the previous six games of the season, Buhler averaged 48.5 points per game before the fourth quarter. Andale forced four Buhler turnovers in the first half.

 

Line of the Week

Andover Central 37, Mulvane 13. After all the adversity this season for Andover Central, the Jaguars should make the playoffs. They have Trinity Academy and Rose Hill left on the schedule in district play.

 

Player of the Week

Buhler had better put the Andale loss behind them. For all of Reno County's high-octane offense this season between Hutch, Buhler and Trinity Catholic, Nickerson running back Weston Cottrell has gone largely unnoticed. He torched Haven for 238 rushing yards Friday night. Nickerson plays Buhler this Friday.

 

Team of the Week

Trinity Catholic dominated a largely Class 2-1A schedule this season leading up to their opening district game against Remington. Same results, though: Trinity 49, Remington 0. I would be anxious to see Trinity challenge for the 2-1A state title this season, but alas, they're in 3A this year and 2-1A next year. Still, I hope to see Trinity match up with one of the local big boys in the 3A playoffs -- Garden, Conway or Collegiate.

 

Strange Coaching Trend of the Week

First Wellington coach Linn Hibbs gets tossed at home against Rose Hill, now Derby coach Brandon Clark gets tossed at home against Southeast? Two weeks in a row now, coaches south of Wichita have been ejected from games. In his Eagle game story, Jeff Lutz implied the Derby offense also stalled with Clark's ejection.

 

I have watched Clark on the sideline for two years now, and he can get very animated; it's one of the things I appreciate about him. He brings a level of passion to the sideline that I think has a strong affect on his players. I guess every coach has to find that happy medium, though; definitely so if refs are going to make a trend out of these recent ejections. I'll add one more note: At a recent Derby game, I overheard someone remark that former Derby coach Tom Young had always had a quiet demeanor and that Clark would settle down with time. You know what, to each his own. Different coaches get things done with different styles.

 

By the way, a week after his ejection, Hibbs and Wellington squeaked out a win over Clearwater 20-14. Clearwater has not been very good this year. Derby, without Clark, sputtered to a 17-12 win over Southeast.

 

Did you see that?

No, I didn't see anything this week. I'm looking forward to returning to the sideline this Friday. Also, I'm probably going to switch gears a bit with the Rusher as soccer and volleyball approach their state tournaments.

 

Politically correct moment of the week

At first, it just sort of nagged me. Then, I thought, wait a second, they're saying it that way for a reason.

 

You know it as the Red River Shootout; I know it as the Red River Shootout. I must not have been paying close attention the last couple years, because I just realized that it's no longer the Red River Shootout. I started asking questions Saturday while watching the OU-Texas football game when play-by-play man Brent Musburger kept calling it the Red River Rivalry. At first I thought they were just mixing things up, but then I saw the graphic on the screen leading into commercial breaks also read "Red River Shootout".

 

I looked it up, I was so upset.

 

In 2005, the game was renamed the Red River Rivalry when SBC Communications, now AT&T, became its official sponsor. The company demanded the name change in exchange for their sponsorship because "Shootout" was too antagonistic.

 

I get it. Money talks.

 

But this sucks. Tradition and history are marginalized in exchange for their monetization far too frequently. Retained in the conversation between game promoters, university officials and company marketers must be a level of respect for the competition. The only reason the marketing opportunity of the Red River Shootout exists is because Oklahoma and Texas enjoying getting after one another. They probably used to actually have shootouts on the Red River, and now they more humanely settle things on the football field, but it doesn't erase the history of enmity between the two. Besides, Shootout just sounds better. The three R's in Red River Rivalry is straight up gauche in its overdone alliteration.

 

Maglight

Don't miss Jeff Lutz' article on South, North and West football in the current October issue. The South portion is very well done. He wrote the piece before South's win over Heights two weeks ago. I think he had some real perception into the situation.

 

If I were coach...

I would not speak to the media as Diego Maradona did.

 

Bold Predictions

6A District 6

Roller coaster season at Heights. Their game against Southeast is gigantic this week. Always a rivalry game, now with serious playoff implications on the line. I picked Southeast to place second in this district in August. I see something ridiculous happening, like Southeast beating Heights, then Heights beating Derby, and there being a three-way tie settle by points system, just like last year, only East was in Southeast's position.

 

5A District 5

Is Salina Central going to even make the playoffs after all? South beats them 31-28 Friday, and a strong Emporia side awaits.

 

5A District 6

Hays beat Great Bend 20-14, which surprised me, to move to 7-0 in coach Ryan Cornelsen's first season. Surely they can't beat Mac.

 

4A District 10

How good, really, is 6-1 Abilene? Defending state champ Topeka Hayden is coming up.

 

4A District 12

Playoffs? Andover Central? It's starting to look that way after beating Mulvane.

 

4A District 15

Buhler better not look past Nickerson.

 

Multimedia Gamut

I shall return to Preps Weekly and Fridays on Sports Daily this week. SD at 9:20 a.m. and PW at 8 a.m. Saturday, both on KFH 1240AM/98.7FM.