Stanton County doesn’t need any extra motivation to get ready for Friday’s game against the Meade Buffaloes.
All the Trojans have to do is remember that their only two losses last season were at the hands of Meade, the 2010 Class 2-1A state champions.
“It’s a huge game,” Stanton County coach Bret Kendrick said. “I think our kids know the magnitude of this game. If we win, we have a good road to the playoffs.
“I really think our kids will be hungry. It’s just going to be a slobberknocker.”
The state’s fans certainly think so as Stanton County’s matchup at Meade was chosen as the Kpreps.com Game of the Week. The contest brings 2-1A’s No. 3 Trojans against the top-ranked Buffaloes. It will be a rematch of last year’s state semifinal game.
Kendrick said he knows the community is ready to watch this game.
“I think it’s going to be wild,” he said. “I’m not sure there’s going to be an unlocked door in Stanton County, because everyone is going to be at the game.”
There’s no doubt that it’s a matchup of two of the better teams in the state.
Meade has won 16 consecutive games, including a 24-18 win over a Canadian, Texas, team in Week 1. The win was a huge confidence builder for the Buffaloes as Canadian is a traditional power and because the Texas team had two scrimmages and a game before Meade’s opener.
“It gives us confidence,” Meade coach Scott Moshier said. “They were the only blemish on our record last year. Last year, we lost to a great football team. This year, we beat a great Canadian football team.”
Since the opening win, Meade has scored at least 49 points in the past three games. The Buffaloes haven’t allowed a varsity point since the game against Canadian.
“There’s a reason they’re ranked No. 1 in the state,” Kendrick said.
Meade lost some quality skill players from last but haven’t seemed to miss a beat. The Buffaloes have rushed for 412 yards per game this season. Junior running back Trevin Wiens has led the way with 651 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Junior Chris Hardaway has passed for 283 yards and rushed for 364.
“I think they did a fantastic job of replacing those players from last year,” Kendrick said. “They have a well-rounded team. You can’t key on one person. If you do, you’re done.”
Stanton County also has dominated early in the season. The Trojans have scored at least 40 points in each game and have held opponents to fewer than 14 points in three of four games.
They also have a variety of players who can hurt opposing teams. Against Southwestern Heights, Marques Logan rushed for 185 yards and four TDs, as well as a kickoff return for a TD. Quarterback Quinn Kendrick and running back Fabian Sierra also rushed for more than 100 yards in the game.
“I think Marques Logan is one of the best running backs in not only 2A but overall,” Moshier said. “Kendrick is strong. Fabian Sierra is another tremendous player. They have a lot of speed.”
Matching up pretty evenly with the skill players, the difference may be on the offensive and defensive lines. That matchup will be a big Meade line against a small, fast Stanton County front.
“They’re huge,” Kendrick said. “I think we’re quicker than what they are up front, but if we get caught by those big boys up front, then we’re going to get blocked. We’ve got to be quicker than they are.”
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