Nov. 6, 2015
Same Rivalry Same Result
by THS Media Bri Savidge
It wouldn’t be the first time that Chrisman and Truman had played each other this season. Back on Oct. 9, the teams squared off in the annual Wagon Wheel game, with Truman edging out a gritty victory, 28-27. The rivalry and outcome would be the same this time around, but in very different conditions and a much larger margin of victory for the Pats. With 30 degree temperatures, strong winds, and unrelenting rain, many were wondering if the district semi-final showdown between Chrisman and Truman would even take place. However, thanks to a lack of lightening in the area, the referees decided that the game would go on as scheduled. Unlike the previous matchup between the two rivals, this game wouldn’t even be close. The Patriots built a 14-0 lead going into halftime thanks to scores by seniors Dean Clemons and Jordan Salima, and never looked back, scoring three more times before the conclusion of the game.
“We came out and proved we were the better team. It shows that our first win against them wasn’t luck, it wasn’t a fluke,” Salima said.
Truman advanced into the next stage of the playoffs to face off against the top-ranked Fort Osage Indians. Lead by star quarterback and Kansas State recruit Skylar Thompson, the Pats knew that the Indians would be a tough test. In the end, the relentless Indians proved to be too much for the Patriots, as Truman lost the hard-fought game 33-20.
“This season was good, much better than previous years. However, I feel as a group we were capable of doing more than we did,” senior defensive back Joe Allen said.
Although the season ended in disappointment, Truman football had its best season ever in program history.
Head football coach Gregg Webb was certainly impressed with the way his players competed throughout the season and is looking forward to the future of the football program.
“I think the program is headed in the right direction but every year is a new and difficult year with new challenges and opportunities,” Webb said. “Our younger kids have seen what it takes to succeed and will have to follow the example set by our seniors. They now have to become the leaders of our program and push the program to the next level if we want to achieve what we strive to achieve.”
The Pats’ 8-3 record and deep run into the state playoff tournament not only proved a lot of doubters wrong, but also proved that a school could be united by the love of game.
“We came out and proved we were the better team. It shows that our first win against them wasn’t luck, it wasn’t a fluke,” Salima said.
Truman advanced into the next stage of the playoffs to face off against the top-ranked Fort Osage Indians. Lead by star quarterback and Kansas State recruit Skylar Thompson, the Pats knew that the Indians would be a tough test. In the end, the relentless Indians proved to be too much for the Patriots, as Truman lost the hard-fought game 33-20.
“This season was good, much better than previous years. However, I feel as a group we were capable of doing more than we did,” senior defensive back Joe Allen said.
Although the season ended in disappointment, Truman football had its best season ever in program history.
Head football coach Gregg Webb was certainly impressed with the way his players competed throughout the season and is looking forward to the future of the football program.
“I think the program is headed in the right direction but every year is a new and difficult year with new challenges and opportunities,” Webb said. “Our younger kids have seen what it takes to succeed and will have to follow the example set by our seniors. They now have to become the leaders of our program and push the program to the next level if we want to achieve what we strive to achieve.”
The Pats’ 8-3 record and deep run into the state playoff tournament not only proved a lot of doubters wrong, but also proved that a school could be united by the love of game.