By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
The two high schools are separated by less than 30 miles,
but when Russell High School travels to Hoisington Friday, it will be the first
meeting between the schools in the football playoffs.
The two communities will converge at Elton Brown Field Friday for the second
round of the Class 2A playoffs.
“It’s crazy that we don’t play Hoisington much, and we're less than 30 miles
apart,” said Russell football coach Christien Ozores. “It’s going to be
exciting. I had family that went to Hoisington eight or nine years ago, so I
understand it’s a big football town and they’re prideful in that. It’s going to
be a big challenge and I’m excited for it.”
The Broncos and the Cardinals have only played each other twice on the gridiron
in the regular season over the last 18 years, both ending in Hoisington wins in
2013 and 2012.
Zach Baird, now in his ninth year as Hoisington head coach, was an
assistant the last time the Cardinals played Russell.
“We’re not in the same league, but you try to follow the area schools and see
how they’re doing,” said Baird. “What an amazing year Russell is having. On
film, you can tell they have great community support. What an opportunity for
us to play at home and see a team of their caliber.”
Russell has a record of 6-3, and has locked in a winning season for the first
time since 2003. The Broncos recorded their first playoff win since 1979 when
the defeated Cimarron in the opening round 58-7. The 58 points is the most
Russell has scored since 2009.
Ozores is in his first year as head coach after spending the previous two years
as an assistant at Russell.
“The Russell job was attractive because of the challenge,” said Ozores. “I
definitely did my homework and saw how unsuccessful we were. I wanted to be
part of the change and knew that it was going to be a big challenge. I knew
there was talent here, good kids and a good community.”
The 7-2 Hoisington Cardinals, two years removed from a state championship game
appearance, have appeared in the second round of the playoffs nine straight
years and will be playing their 26th home playoff game in school
history.
“We’ve been fortunate with some good football teams so we’ve been able to play
in some big games,” said Baird. “To see a bunch of 16, 17 and 18-year-olds that
have worked hard for it, get that opportunity on a big stage…it’s special.”
After a pair of 1-8 seasons, Russell ended a 4-5 season a year ago with a
first-round playoff loss. This season, a group of 11 seniors has guided the
Broncos in the school’s 6th playoff appearance ever.
“It’s about being consistent,” said Ozores. “I think our biggest issue was a
lack of consistency in coaches and athletes. The kids have been working hard
and we’ve been able to get guys to play that haven’t played football in a
while.”
With Hoisington and Russell 25 to 30 minutes apart, residents travel back and
forth for jobs and other events. The teams and the fan base for each school will
meet under the lights in Hoisington Friday.
“I always tell our guys, it’s not the best time of their lives because they’re
going to move on to bigger and better things, but it’s a special time,” said Baird.
“It’s a time they won’t get back. I just want them to soak it in. Enjoy the
locker room time, practices and Friday nights. It’ll be a fun one on Friday.”
Kickoff between Hoisington and Russell is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Elton Brown
Field. You can follow the action by listening on 100.7 FM or online at
greatbendpost.com.