Liberal (2-3, 1-1) at Great Bend (3-2, 1-1)
RADIO—104.3 FM
VIDEO—youtube.com (GBHS Athletics)
BY JIM MISUNAS
Great Bend tailback Cody Miller measures 5-foot-7 and weighs 155 pounds.
Miller’s toughness and ability to exploit gaps keys the Panthers’ offense that averages 180 yards rushing and 143 yards passing per game. Miller has gained 520 yards with seven touchdowns heading to Friday’s Homecoming football game against Liberal.
Time-after-time, Miller creates big plays with a slashing running style and timely pass receptions off the screen game.
“My strength is my vision seeing which holes to go through and making guys miss tackles,” he said. “I like running our outside zone play, running vertical.”
Great Bend coach Erin Beck said, “Cody has good footwork and great vision, which is exactly what we want when we run our zone plays. Cody improved his speed running track last spring.”
Panther QB Cayden Scheurman has thrown for 713 yards and 7 TDs. WR Braylon Council (25-344/3 TDs), TE Colton Brack (3 TDs) and TB Cody Miller (13-152) leading the receivers.
“I like getting into the passing game because I don’t do that often,” Miller said. “Our screen game gets us yards every time. Our offensive line gets excited on screens because they get to hit smaller guys. Our quarterbacks and receivers have improved making plays.”
The Panthers (3-2, 1-1 WAC) ride a 3-game winning streak after snapping a 19-game losing streak.
“It’s been way more seeing the seniors win some football games,” Miller said. “I’m pleased with what we’ve done, but we can do more.”
The 3-year losing streak took its toll.
“It was tough. Everybody at school knew it too,” Miller said. “We relied on our teammates. Everybody worked in the weight room and gym to get stronger and faster. We kept getting better.”
Panther DL Dee’onn Jones (48 tackles) leads the defense back up by MLB Mathew Moeder (43 tackles) and DB Skyler McMullen (41 tackles).
Liberal QB Brooks Kappelmann has thrown for 872 yards and eight TDs with WR Israel Garcia-Rotolo (25-414/2 TDs) and WR Zayden Martinez (27-384/6 TDs) leading the way. The Redskins average 290 yards rushing and 194 yards passing. RB Trystian Juarez (723 yards, 6 TDs) is a two-way threat with 55 tackles, nine for losses. A.B. Amador has three interceptions.
The Panthers have won 11 of the past 14 football games from Liberal, but the Redskins have swept two consecutive games 22-21 and 22-14.
“We’re playing football with confidence, but it’ll be a challenge,” Beck said. “Their quarterback has running ability and he’s got good receivers.”
