Teamwork propels Lancers to playoffs

COLONY — Crest High’s Lancers are back in the Kansas Eight-Man, Division I playoffs for simple reasons.
“Playing as a team and hard work,” said Brent Smith, Lancer head coach. “These kids have been doing their jobs offensively and defensively every game. That’s why we’re in the playoffs.”
Tonight in a 7 o’clock kickoff, the Lancers (8-1) host Cedar Vale/Dexter High’s Spartans (6-3) in a bi-district game. The winner advances to a regional game on Saturday.
The Lancers’ only loss came at the hands of second-ranked Madison High Bulldogs, 46-0. Madison is one of two undefeated teams in the Eight-Man, DI playoffs.
The other 9-0 team is top-ranked Pretty Prairie, which the Spartans lost to 46-0 in the second week of the season. Cedar Vale/Dexter’s other two losses were to South Haven and Central Burden. Central Burden (6-3) is also in the playoffs.
“We have to continue to do what we have all season. The kids have worked hard to get back in the playoffs after missing them last year. We were in a very tough district last year where several deserving teams didn’t make it,” Smith said.
Sophomores Jordan Morton and Kyle Hammond lead the Lancer offense. Hammond started the season as quarterback but quickly Smith made a switch after two games.
Morton went to quarterback and Hammond stepped into the tailback spot. Hammond has rushed for 1,239 yards on 169 carries with 20 rushing touchdowns. Morton is 13 of 33 for 208 yards passing with five touchdowns. He also has rushed for 316 yards on 75 carries with six touchdowns.
“Both kids can run and throw the football and have done a great job,” Smith said.
One of the big factors for Crest this season is the consistent play of the offensive line. Up front are Jayden Bowen at center, guards Jesse Boone and Byran Miller along with Thomas Dietrich rotating in. At offensive ends are Dexter Wiley and Luke Decker. Dakota Ramsey plays fullback.
Defensively, the same kids combine to give up just 187 points this season. Decker leads the charge with 66 solo tackles, 37 assisted tackles and nine quarterback sacks. Bowen also has nine quarterback sacks..
Decker and Miller, who has eight sacks, are defensive ends. Bowen and Dietrich are in the middle of the defensive line. Hammond and Ramsey are second and third on the tackle list as linebackers. Wiley is a defensive back with seven interceptions.
“These kids just give solid efforts every game. Cedar Vale/Dexter is a strong running team and we have to be in position to make plays defensively,” Smith said.