Starting out the season with a 2-1 record, Great Bend High School head football coach Bo Black wants his team to be more spirited and play with more passion.
So, there’s no better time for the Panthers than Homecoming on Friday night at Memorial Stadium. Great Bend (2-1) takes on Wichita North (0-3), with kickoff set for 7.
“You know, I’m not afraid to say this,” Black said. “The biggest problem is that we’ve just played uninspired football with a lack of passion. I would say that we haven’t played an inspired, passionate football game yet.
“If anything else that’s the most disappointing part of that because I think we have the potential to be a very good football team, but I don’t see us winning any football games on potential. I can guarantee you that.”
Great Bend beat Class 3A Hoisington 14-6 in Week 1. It beat 4A Ulysses 28-20 in Week 2, and lost to Garden City 45-28 last Friday night in Week 3 —the home and Western Athletic Conference opener.
Playing another non-conference game, Black has challenged his players to be more spirited and to play with more passion.
“We just have not performed on Friday night,” Black said. “Whether it’s Homecoming or not, it’s time for us to perform. It’s time for us to put up or shut up, and we talk about potential.
“We’ve talked about the problems that need to be addressed, and now it’s time to perform with passion. That’s what it’s been all about in practice this week.”

• Homecoming schedule
Dismissal for students for Homecoming on Friday afternoon is 2:30. … The parade starts at 3, and the Madrigal chili soup fundraiser is set for 5-7 p.m. at the commons area at GBHS. Tickets are $6 at the door. … The crowning of the king and queen is set for 6:30.