MMS football falters against rivals
Marion Middle School Wildcat football teams have found the going tough the past two weeks, dropping A-team and B-team games against both Hesston and Hillsboro.
Sept. 7 the Wildcats took on Hesston. The A-squad, comprised of mostly eighth graders, was defeated 28-0. The B-squad, primarily seventh graders, was outscored 42-0.
While consistency was something MMS assistant coach Chad Adkins pointed to as a challenge, he also noted that Hesston has a youth club football program that helps prepare youngsters for their middle school team experience.
This past Thursday the Wildcats traveled to Hillsboro. The A-team contest was won by the Trojans 32-0, and Hillsboro won the B-team contest 28-0.
"Hillsboro had a reverse play that was pretty much unstoppable," said MMS head coach Lucas King.
King said he believes the teams are improving, citing consistency and execution as important areas for growth.
"We need to be doing the same things at game time as we do in practice," he said.
King identified the running and defense of Less Riggs and the leadership of quarterback Matt Sprowls as early notable performers for the A-squad. Cole Lewman, quarterback, and Ethan Pontious, running back and linebacker, have emerged as leaders on the B-team.
"We're not going to overpower anybody," said King. "We must limit mistakes and play as a team in order to be competitive."
The Wildcats will be in action Thursday when they host Lyons. The B-game starts at 5:00 p.m., and the A-game follows at 6:30.
