Last season, the Great Bend High School Panthers were dubbed by some coaches as the best 4-5 team in Class 5A, with highlight victories over defending state runner-up Wichita Heights, along with Dodge City.
Some might view this year’s version of the Panthers as the best 4-4 team in the 5A.
The big difference between this year and last is the fact that Great Bend came on strong in District 6, winning two of its final three regular-season games, capped by a 42-21 conquest of Salina South Friday night at Memorial Stadium.
Besides clinching a state playoff berth, the Panthers also won the district outright in the points system breakdown after Hays, playing the unassuming role of spoiler, knocked off Salina Central 21-14.
“Since I was a little kid, I had a dream of going to the state playoffs when I was in high school and we just achieved it,” Panthers quarterback Greg Hildebrand said. “It’s the most amazing feeling in the world.
“Being the district champs makes it that much better.”
Great Bend head coach Bo Black questioned his team’s mind-set after the Panthers lost to Central, 42-20, the week before. Black said that for four quarters, they didn’t play with the effort, the passion, that he’s grown accustomed to seeing from his teams during the past decade.
The Black Passion re-emerged at the forefront on this chilly evening. The Panthers were inspired, and then some.
“In the back of everyone’s mind, we thought we possibly missed out on a chance to win a district championship,” Black said of the road loss at Central. “For everything to fall into place tonight and play the way that we did … kids stepping up at different positions throughout.
“It was just a big night and very rewarding for all of the hard work our young men put into this. The two that I was just so proud of that makes this job really special is guys like (wideouts) Mauricio Uribe and Sam Hafner. They get a little bit of playing time here and there, but to plug them in full-time roles, never miss a beat and not change the game plan.  … You have two really good players down (Alex Reed, knee injury, and Logan Buehler, ankle injury) and the way Mauricio and Sam responded, that’s what makes it really special.”
Connor Sell, who entered the game sharing the Western Athletic Conference lead with three interceptions from his defensive back position, had a fumble recovery against South and also had a 56-yard scoring reception from his wide receiver post.
“I am extremely happy,” Sell said. “You don’t even know. I can’t even describe my feelings right now. It’s amazing.
“We knew we had a chance. It seemed like there were like six different things that had to happen (in the four-team district scenario) and I don’t know how, but somehow we did it.”