The unofficial Eight-Man 1 state football championship will be played Saturday when No. 2 ranked Central Plains and No. 1 ranked Spearville clash in a battle of powerhouses at 3 p.m.
The winner must win two more playoff games to be crowned Eight-Man 1 state champion. But there is no debate that the winner will be favored to duplicate the Oilers’ feat last season.
The Oilers outlasted the Royal Lancers 42-40 last year en route to the Eight-Man 1 state championship. The Royal Lancers’ physical style and power-oriented offense was the Oilers’ toughest test en route to the state title. Both teams return six of eight starters on both sides of the football.
How close is it?
The Oilers have outscored foes by an average score of 52-5 and Spearville has outscored teams 53-6. Both teams feature modest offensive statistics because their games end at halftime.
Perhaps the only advantage is the Oilers have played two complete games against Victoria and Solomon. The Royal Lancers have ended every game early on the 45-point rule.
The Oilers’ attacking defense has 30 takeaways, three per game. Cody Price has recovered four fumbles. Jacob Warnken leads the team in tackles.
Oiler quarterback Braedan Crites has thrown for 1,021 yards with 23 touchdowns after five touchdown passes Tuesday against Kiowa County. Jacob Warnken has rushed for 443 yards, Clark Besthorn 269 yards and Crites 296 yards. Michael Ryan has 12 touchdowns and 354 yards in receptions. Alex Barton has 231 yards and five scores.
Spearville halfback Luke Heskamp has rushed for 864 yards and 18 scores. Quarterback Nathan Stein has gained 579 with 14 scores. Nathan Stein has passed for 552 yards and 13 touchdowns. Brandon Davis has 338 yards rushing, 136 yards receiving and 13 touchdowns. Kyler Stein has five scores and 179 yards in receiving.