The 'Eagle Times' Student Newspaper

Even though they are taking one game at a time during the post-season, senior members of the football team hope to make their fourth appearance at state competition. (Photo by Liane Smith)

Football team continues post-season play

Regionals held Saturday in Silver Lake

By Erika Massek

November 03, 2005

As the Silver Lake Eagles High School football team prepares for Saturday's regional game, Head Coach C.J. Hamilton said that the team is treating McLouth just like any other opponent.

"We are doing the things we do. We are making a few adjustments, nothing major. We have seen a lot of different types of offenses and defenses, so I think that we'll just approach each game...

"Our goal for McLouth would be to control the ball and not turn it over, better than what we did against Northern Heights. Be good in special teams," he said.

The offensive line is going to have to be strong during Saturday's regional game against McLouth. (Photo by Jenni Holmer)

Senior SLHS wide receiver and linebacker Andrew Christopher explained that winning means more to the seniors this year because it represents their last chance at a state title.

"I think it means more to us this year because we have a great opportunity to do something that no other team from Silver Lake has, so it means more to us," he said.

Hamilton commented that the most changed player this year is Austin Urban, senior wide receiver and cornerback.

"I would say Austin Urban is the most changed player because he was injured so much last year, so he didn't play as well as he did his sophomore year. This year, he is playing at the level we anticipated him to play last year, but he didn't get a chance to," he said.

Hamilton also stated that the team has a different look compared to last year.

"One change is that we are undefeated. We also have a lot more experience this year than we did last year. Those were our two biggest factors of the experience factor, particularly offensively and in special teams," he said.

The Eagles managed to go undefeated in the regular season, dominating Centralia and all other opponents. (Photo by Rachel Stover)

The team is also looking down the road past Saturday's regional game. Hamilton said he anticipates the Eagles will make it to state competition, and if Conway Springs does not make it, he hopes it is Riley County. The Eagles have faced Conway Springs at the 3A state contest the last three years, settling for second all three years.

"I hope we make it to state. One reason is because we have been there before. Hopefully that experience will help us survive as we go through this process. Another reason is because we have good players. I have no reason to think that we are not going to state. I hope Riley County goes to state because they are in our league," he said.

Christopher commented that he is thrilled about the possibility of playing Conway Springs another year, and if Conway Springs doesn't make it, then he hopes that Garden Plains will.

"I am very excited about the possibility (of playing Conway Springs). Garden Plains (would be a good opponent) because they are the best team on that side," he said.

Hamilton said the Conway Springs team has experienced many injuries this year.

"Conway Springs has lost one game, and they lost it to the number one team in the state, Garden Plains. They have also had injuries. They lost some good backs and a quarterback to injuries. One broke his jaw, and the other one broke his leg. They have to fill some spots with some new people," he said.

Saturday's regional game will begin at 7 p.m. in Silver Lake. If the Eagles win, they will advance to sectional play on Friday, Nov. 11. The location of that game is yet to be determined.