The previous two meetings between Great Bend High School and Wichita Heights have been anything but the norm.
Last year, at Memorial Stadium in Great Bend, Heights running back Dreamius Smith fumbled on the opening play from scrimmage and Great Bend recovered, touching off a wild celebration by the Panthers and a free-for-all shoving match between the two teams. Smith and Heights teammate Marcus Floez, were ejected, along with Great Bend senior linebackers Dakota Ellis and Louis Burley.
“There’s been some odd situations the last two times we’ve played them,” Great Bend head coach Bo Black said. “Just coincidence, I guess.
“You hate to see what happened at the start of the game last year, but at the same time, it has absolutely nothing to do with this year’s game.”
When the tempers were finally calmed in last year’s game, Heights built a 21-0 halftime lead and pulled away for a 45-14 victory.
Heights quarterback Matt Reed had 169 yards in 23 carries and ran for 16- and 10-yard first-quarter touchdowns. Graduated running back Daniel DeShazer, subbing for Smith, had 80- and 63-yard TD runs while totaling 152 yards in six carries.
The Falcons finished with 555 net yards, including 482 rushing yards. Reed completed 2 of 3 passes for 73 yards, including a 42-yard touchdown pass to returnee Marquel Moore, a featured running back this season for Heights.
Great Bend had its two scores come on pass plays from senior quarterback Greg Hildebrand to senior wide receiver Alex Reed, covering 54 and 27 yards.
Two years ago, in Wichita, the two teams endured a lengthy lightning delay after play was interrupted late in the first half with Heights holding a two-touchdown lead.
But Great Bend rallied in the second half for a 28-26 victory.