The Central Plains High School football team proved something in their 36-14 win over Coldwater-South Central on Tuesday night.
The Oilers proved that they can get the job done, even when their high-flying pass offense is having trouble getting off the ground.
Central Plains still had a balanced attack, and its defense was able to make the most of the rain and wind during the first-round game of the Eight-Man Division-I state playoffs.
Central Plains will need the balanced attack and a strong defense again on Saturday night, when it travels to Jetmore to challenge the undefeated Hodgeman County Longhorns at 7.
The Oilers had 93 passing yards and 65 rushing yards for a total of 158 yards of offense, compared to the 213 yards of total offense for the Timberwolves.
Still, Central Plains found the end zone three more times than South Central, scoring three rushing touchdowns and two aerial TDs.
The Oilers had five people carry the ball, with Carson Kirmer leading the pack with 38 yards.
Quarterback Braeden Crites, Clark Besthorn and Colton Zink each scored rushing touchdowns.
Crites also completed TD passes to Layne Bieberle and Michael Lamatsch.
Crites has completed 104 of 166 passes (62.7 percent) for 2,018 yards and 35 touchdowns this season.
Bieberle has been the top receiver for the Oilers for most of the season. He has 1,027 yards and 22 scores.
Hodgeman County’s offense centers around quarterback Alex Kreger.
The senior has completed 34 of 60 passes for 622 yards and seven touchdowns.
He has a team-leading 1,357 yards and 25 scores.
Longhorns junior Kolt Washburn adds 662 rushing yards and five scores, and sophomore Robbie Carter has 396 yards and eight TDs.
Hodgeman County is 10-0, coming off a 34-32 win over Rawlins County.