3A sectional showdown scheduled

Eagles and Raiders face off on Friday

By Justin Maryott

November 07, 2005

Last Saturday, the Silver Lake Eagles advanced in the class 3A playoffs, beating McClouth 21-7 in a game where the Eagles jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. Now the Eagles hope to accomplish this same task on Friday when they travel to Frontenac to face the 7-4 Raiders in what should be a showdown.

Coach C.J. Hamilton was very pleased with the victory his team delivered last Saturday.

"We defeated an undefeated team, and we played for four quarters," he said.

The Eagles are definitely going to have to have their "A" game this Friday as well. Three years ago, the Eagles faced Frontenac in a post-season game that was played on the Eagles' field. The Raiders jumped out early, but the Eagles eventually came back to post a 24-20 win to move on to sub-state.

The Eagles' quarterback gets some coaching. (Photo by Caitlin Grant)

One of the main challenges the Eagles face this year is that they are the visiting team this time. The Eagles will have to travel four hours to face the Frontenac Raiders. Senior Jordan Lowe commented on the daunting task.

Lowe said, "When we traveled to Riley County, we kind of lost our focus on the way down, so we could have a game on our hands if we don't come prepared."

Hamilton also commented on how the Eagles are looking at the sectional game.

Hamilton said, "We'll prepare like we always do. It should be easier for us this week because it's like a normal week of practice with a game on Friday."

Junior Jason Corwin commented on the matchup.

Corwin said, "I think it will be a tough game. Teams don't make it this far for no reason."

Silver Lake must be prepared for the Raiders like they were for McClouth during post-season play. (Photo by Jenni Holmer)

Eagles assistant coach Loren Ziegler also said the Eagles' upcoming game will be challenging.

Ziegler said, "It will be a good game. When you get this far, all eight teams are good, but I think our guys know what it takes to get it done."

Last time the Eagles and Raiders faced off, the Raiders were very strong on defense and had a great running game. This year, the Raiders' strengths are a little different.

Hamilton said, "Their strengths this year would be the offensive line, and their defensive ends are good, too. Their kicking game and their secondary are their main weaknesses."

One of the main differences between the Eagles and Raiders are their offensive strategies. Frontenac likes power football. The Eagles, on the other hand, are more of a balanced team.

Eagles assistant coach Warren Bledsoe said, "We would like to establish our running game early and hurt them with play action passes."

Defensively, both teams are sound. The Eagles lead their conference in both points scored and allowed, outscoring their opponents by an average of 34-9. Eagles assistant coach Mark Workman commented on what he expects this Friday.

Workman said, "Defensively, I expect us just to play hard and contain their speed."

Everything is set for a playoff classic. School will be dismissed at 1:30 p.m. Friday for all Silver Lake students. The game begins at 6 p.m. at Frontenac.

If the Eagles win, another "War on 24" sub-state rematch could be at hand. The Eagles would face the winner of the Rossville vs. Galena game. If Rossville wins, the Dawgs would host the Eagles on Friday, Nov. 18. If Galena wins, then Silver Lake would host sub-state.