Bluebirds earn first-round birth
By DELBERT PETERS
Contributing Writer
After trouncing one of the best teams in Kansas eight-man football, Coach Justin Coup knows that its now open season for his Goessel Bluebirds.
With a big victory over Claflin, Goessel becomes the team to beat, as it takes the lead in District 5 Eight man Division I.
Goessel (3-0 in district) takes the field at 7 p.m. tonight at Centre (1-2), for its final regular-season game.
The Bluebirds are flying high after their upset win over Claflin, which had been undefeated and ranked second in the state.
It was Claflin's first loss since moving down this season to eight-man football.
Both teams make the playoffs, but Goessel clinched the district title with the win, and gained a first-round playoff berth.
The score was tied at 22 at halftime, but Goessel outscored the Wildcats 38-8 in the second half.
Goessel's defensive line stymied Claflin's 210-pound fullback. The offense did the rest, mounting a four-touchdown lead before the Wildcats scored.
On the ground and in the air, Bluebird quarterback Garrett Hiebert led the assault. He ran for three touchdowns and passed for another. Brett Goerzen also scored three touchdowns.
Craig Banman had 13 solo and one assisted tackle to lead the Goessel defense.
"Tonight was a total team effort — offense, defense, special teams," Coup said. "We beat a very good Claflin team, and hopefully, this will help build enthusiasm for the stretch run."
