The 'Eagle Times' Student Newspaper

The seniors are ready to take home a 3A state title after appearing in the championship game the last three years. Class 3A state will be at Hummer Sports Park in Topeka on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 2:45 p.m.

Fourth time's the charm?

Eagles advance to state on Saturday

By Justin Maryott

November 18, 2005

This year's "War on 24" with Rossville was not what most people expected: a blowout. Silver Lake pounded the dogs in sub-state play to advance to state.

Senior Luke Perry said, "It felt great to beat them four years in a row to go to state. There's nothing better than beating a Dawg."

The Eagles proved to everyone that they are a force to be reckoned with, blowing out their rivals 45-13.

Head Coach C.J. Hamilton said, "We created several turnovers in the first half, and then we scored two early touchdowns in the second half to really put the game out of reach."

Senior Austin Workman added, "I think 'heart' is the main reason we've been so tough this year. It takes dedication to be a great team."

Now the Eagles are faced with the task of getting over the hump that has plagued them the last three years: the state championship. The Eagles faced Conway Springs in their last three appearances that all ended with the Eagles being crowned the runner-up. This year, the former champs were blanked by Southeast of Saline in sectional play 32-0.

Southeast of Saline then moved on to beat number one ranked Garden Plain to move on to state, where they will now face the Eagles. The two teams look to be pretty even. Saline boasts an effective offense with a proven quarterback to run it. The Eagles' strength this year has been on the opposite side of the ball where they have given up only nine points per game. Saline has only one loss and have outscored their opponents by an average of 36-13. The Eagles enter the game undefeated and have outscored their opponents 33-9.

Eagles assistant coach Loren Ziegler said, "We're two pretty evenly matched teams. Both teams have good offenses, but I think our special teams and defense will be the key. It should be a great game."

The Eagles will enter the game with their normal routine of hard practices, not overlooking anyone, and execution on game day.

Hamilton said, "We're not going to do anything special. We'll just do what we normally do."

Senior Andrew Christopher added, "I will just go through my normal routine, get on the bus, and be ready to put it on the Trojans."

The Eagles' defense will have a challenge come game time when the Trojan offense steps on the field.

Hamilton said, "Key players we'll probably focus on are their quarterback and a couple of wide receivers number two and number 28."

The Silver Lake seniors have won a number of games in their careers, but a state championship is the only title that the seniors haven't brought home yet. The Eagles have answered all the questions this year and proved doubters wrong. The only question that remains: can they win it all?

Ziegler said, "I think the hardest part of winning state is just getting there. You can't overlook anyone, and you need your 'A' game every night."

Both teams appear to have what it takes to win state, but only one champion will be crowned. Kickoff is set for 2:45 p.m. at Hummer Sports Park in Topeka.