Rossville & Wellsville Ready

From the Capital-Journal
By Brent Maycock

brent.maycock@cjonline.com

ROSSVILLE — Finally.

In a word, it sums up the emotions Wellsville felt after ousting Sabetha 31-14 last Friday in the Class 3A playoffs. It wasn’t so much the foe the Eagles had conquered, but rather the timing of the victory.

After playing in four state championship games from 1982-96, Wellsville had hit a playoff wall. From 2002-2014, the Eagles qualified for the playoffs 11 times yet couldn’t find its way back to the semifinals let alone the championship game.

Four trips ended in the first round. Another four stalled in the second round. And three ended in the quarterfinals — all at the hands of Silver Lake, including last year’s heartbreaking 20-14 overtime loss to the Eagles.

“We did not feel good after that Silver Lake game last year,” Wellsville coach Brad Burkdoll said. “We felt we controlled a lot of the game, but Silver Lake made some big plays to win it. It’s always tough this time of the year and for our guys to finally get over that hump and beat a very good Sabetha team was big. Our guys are on a mission this year and want to get to that state game bad.”

The roadblock standing between Wellsville (10-2) and its first title-game appearance since losing to Beloit in the 1996 3A title game is a big one, No. 1 and defending champion Rossville (12-0). The Bulldawgs enjoyed their own playoff breakthrough a year ago, finally getting past Silver Lake in the semifinals and rode the momentum to a 21-14 win over Scott City in the championship game.

Rossville hasn’t slowed down this year in its quest for back-to-back crowns. On pace to set a state record for yards per game, averaging 346.3 per contest, the Bulldawgs have worn the bull’s-eye well this season, handling even their stiffest tests with relative ease.

Rossville dominated the second halves of showdowns with Silver Lake and Nemaha Central to break free from tight games at halftime. In last week’s 42-32 win over Colgan, the Bulldawgs overcame two second-half turnovers and near flawless play from the Panthers to keep their undefeated season alive.

“We knew these tests were coming and the fact that we’re still alive, speaks volumes about the kids meeting those challenges,” Rossville coach Derick Hammes said. “We’re a veteran group who has been down this road before and that’s beneficial for us.

“We’ve had three turnovers the last two weeks and we’ve been very good through the course of the year of taking care of the football. We’ve got to clean that up because your opponent this time of the year will take advantage of those mistakes.”

Wellsville got the season off to a somewhat slow start, going 2-2 with losses to Prairie View (7-6) and Eudora (20-6). That might have been expected with the Eagles have to replace leading rusher Brett Osbern, quarterback Cole Silsby, their top-four receivers and their top lineman.

But starting with a hard-fought 14-7 win over 4A Division II quarterfinalist Santa Fe Trail in week five, the Eagles have hit their stride. Wellsville has allowed just 34 points in its past eight games, while putting up 383.

Zach Strawn has replaced Osbern as the feature back and run for 1,140 yards and 18 touchdowns, while quarterback Tony Dougan and tailback Daryon Winton have each added more than 450 yards on the ground and combined 17 touchdowns. Dougan has also thrown for 1,041 yards and 12 touchdowns.

“What I’m getting from coaches I’ve talked with who have played them, they really talk about their team speed,” Hammes said. “They said, ‘Be ready for it,’ and sometimes that’s easier said than done. We’re expecting a very athletic team that has many ways to move the football.”

Rossville showed its offensive balance in the Colgan victory as receiver Christian Roduner and running back Dawson Hammes combined for 179 yards rushing and two touchdowns with Roduner also catching a 35-yard touchdown pass. Hammes has now topped 1,000 yards on the ground (1,101) and Roduner is one of four Rossville receivers with at least 270 yards (574).

Tucker Horak led the way with 188 yards and three touchdowns on the ground, pushing his season total to 2,441 yards rushing and 41 touchdowns. With 1,900 yards passing, Horak is just 100 yards from becoming the first player in state history to rush and pass for 2,000 yards in the same season.

Despite all of Rossville’s offensive weapons, Burkdoll thinks his team matches up well with the defending champs.

“They remind me of our team,” Burkdoll said. “I think we can throw the ball a little bit, have a physical running game too just like they do. The thing that jumps out at me is their speed on defense, and we’re the exact same way. They’ve got athletes all over and that’s going to be a challenge, but our schedule gave us confidence knowing how well we played against the good teams we saw. We couldn’t ask to be playing any differently than we are right now.”

Wellsville Ready For Rossville

From the Ottawa Herald:

      Wellsville is well aware of Rossville quarterback Tucker Horak’s talent.  The senior is having one of the best seasons in state history.    He needs 100 yards passing in 7 p.m. Friday’s 3A state semifinal at Rossville to become the first player in state history with 2,000 rushing/2,000 passing in the same season.
      “We spent extra time looking at their quarterback,” Wellsville coach Brad Burkdoll said. “He is exceptional. His feet never stop moving. It might be sideways or north and south. You don’t get shots on him. You have to grab some cloth and get him down.
      “They run some bubbles and get the ball out of his hands quick.”
      The Wellsville defense has played against top-notch players this season and controlled them. The Eagles held Eudora star Grant Elston to 40 yards.
      “We have played excellent skill guys this season,” Burkdoll said. “They are up to any challenge. We talk about the other team’s best player.
      “Our kids want the challenge. They have answered every test so far. That give us confidence. I expect the same on Friday.”
      Wellsville expected this matchup last year. The Eagles fell to Silver Lake in overtime in the quarterfinals and a week later Rossville defeated Silver Lake en route to a state title.
      “We feel like we belong every year,” Burkdoll said. “It is a testament to our guys. They have put us in this position. It is not a fluke.
      “You have to be playing great football this time of year. We expect to win. This group has taken hard work to another level.”z
      It will be a game of matchups. One that is intriguing is the Wellsville defense vs. Rossville’s offense.
      “We give up a touchdown game and they score 56 points a game ... something has to give,” Burkdoll said. “We spend more time on defense than most teams around. It shows up this time of year.
      “Championship teams, you usually don’t score on them three times. They can play defense. It catches your eye when they give yards and points.”
      Burkdoll said it will be nice for fans to see a lot of talent on both teams.
     “It is exciting to see the athletes on the field,” he said. “Rossville looks a lot like us. They are fast and physical.       “We have to get our guys in space. It will be interesting to see who steps up on this stage Friday.    

New Dawgfeed Video

    Here is the latest Dawgfeed video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6bC59ZuosM&feature=em-subs_digest-g

Fire Near Rossville

    Winds throughout the area  have been causing some damage.  A fire was spotted near NW 54th Street and Hoch Road, bringing out Rossville firefighters on Wed. afternoon.

Justin Fouts (47) Passes Away

      Justin G. Fouts, 86, of Westmoreland, passed away Monday, November 16, 2015 at Wamego City Hospital.   
      He was born July 22, 1929 in Bigelow, Kansas the son of Smith L. and Rebecca L. (Coffey) Fouts. He graduated from Rossville High School in 1947.
       He had lived in the Topeka/Dover area for several years and later moved to the Westmoreland/Onaga area where he owned and farmed his own ranch. Justin volunteered with a number of youth organizations anywhere from hauling livestock to the state fair or helping with operations. He supported FFA, 4-H and was a former Boy Scout leader when his son was young. Justin was a former member of Lane Chapel in Topeka.   
      On October 4, 1958 he married Willa Geraldine Vance in Topeka. She survives of the home. Justin is also survived by: his son, Bruce (Roberta) Fouts of Westmoreland, KS; his daughter, Kimberly (Chad) Wright of Westmoreland, KS; his sisters, Theodosia Douglas of Topeka, KS, and Rebecca Barber of Shawnee Mission, KS; and his 2 grandchildren, Wyatt and Hannah Fouts. He was preceded in death by: his sisters, Marion Boydston, Elizabeth Tolliver, Constance Holliday, Smithena Thomas and Patricia Fouts-Lee; his brothers, Glenn Fouts and Lewis Fouts; and his grandson Levi Fouts.   
      Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 20, 2015 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow in Bucks Grove Cemetery. The family will greet friends Thursday evening from 5-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Rock Creek FFA, Onaga Community Hospital or American Heart Association and may be left in care of Mercer Funeral Home P.O, Box 270, Holton 66436

Nadine Perry Passes Away

Nadine M. Perry, 86, of St. Marys passed away Monday, November 16, 2015

Survivors include two sons, Bill and Mike Perry, both of Topeka; five daughters, Judy (Roy) Muckenthaler, Sandy (Clay) Winters and Nancy Lister all of St. Marys, Mary Kaye (Tony) Siebert, Wamego and Lori Westdale, Rossville; two sisters, Helen Tarbutton, Hawthorne, CA and Betty Aills, Salina; 14 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Friday, November 20, 2015 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Newbury.  Interment will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, St. Marys. 

You can read the complete obituary and read or leave condolences at:

http://piperfuneralhome.com/obituaries/nadine-m-perry/

KPreps Ranking For 3A FB

#1 ROSSVILLE (12-0)

Last: defeated St. Mary's Colgan 42-32Defending champion Rossville won a 26th consecutive game with a 42-32 victory over St. Mary’s Colgan. The Bulldawgs built a 21-11 lead at halftime and then matched Colgan’s scoring in the second half. Tucker Horak rushed for 188 yards and three touchdowns on 21 carries. Dawson Hammes added 104 yards and a score on 11 carries, while Christian Roduner scored twice as part of his 75 yards rushing. Colgan quarterback Ryan Cedeno passed for 215 yards and four touchdowns.
Next: vs. Wellsville (10-2) in Class 3A semifinals

#2 WICHITA COLLEGIATE (12-0)

Last: defeated Norton 66-25 on SaturdayQuarterback Austin Waddell rushed for 156 yards and four touchdowns as Collegiate blasted Norton 66-25. Waddell also passed for 163 yards and two scores as the Spartans built a 35-13 halftime lead. Nathan Burgoyne added 95 rushing yards and a touchdown for Collegiate.
Next: at No. 2 Halstead (12-0) in Class 3A semifinals

#3 HALSTEAD (12-0)

Last: defeated Hoisington 44-8Halstead took advantage of six Hoisington turnovers in defeating the Cardinals 44-8. The Dragons led 24-0 at halftime and 30-0 after three quarters. Eli McKee rushed for 91 yards and two touchdowns to lead Halstead. Blake Beckett, playing with a torn ACL, added 47 yards rushing and a touchdown.
Next: vs. No. 2 Wichita Collegiate (12-0) in Class 3A semifinals

#4 WELLSVILLE (10-2)

Last: beat Sabetha 31-14 in quarterfinalsBrock Frey scored on a 14-yard touchdown run in the third quarter to pull Sabetha within 21-14 of Wellsville. The Eagles responded with a 20-yard Reece Williams field goal to lead 24-14, and added a Zach Strawn touchdown run to advance 31-14. Strawn rushed for 102 yards and two touchdowns on 20 attempts to lead the Eagles. Frey led Sabetha with 126 yards on the ground and both Bluejay scores.
Next: at No. 1 Rossville (12-0) in 3A semifinals

#5 ST. MARYS COLGAN (9-3)

Last: lost 42-32 at No.1 Rossville in quarterfinalsRossville held off Colgan 42-32 to win a 26th straight game. The Bulldawgs built a 21-11 lead at halftime and then matched Colgan’s scoring in the second half. Colgan quarterback Ryan Cedeno passed for 215 yards and four touchdowns, three of which went to Connor O’Brien. Garrett Normand caught eight passes for 151 yards and as score for the Panthers. Tucker Horak rushed for 188 yards and three touchdowns on 21 carries for Rossville.
Next: season complete

- See more at: 

Zemek To Sign LOI For WU

   RHS senior Britnee Zemek will sign a Letter Of Intent to play softball at Washburn University next year.

Earl Kovar (48) Passes Away

    Earl E. Kovar, 85, Liberty, MO passed away suddenly November 13, 2015.
    A celebration of his life with be 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19  with full military honors at 4:00 p.m.at Church-Archer-Pasley Funeral Home, Liberty, MO.
    Earl was born April 8, 1930 in Topeka, KS to Peter Paul and Anastasia Agnes (Martinek) Kovar. He was a 1948 graduate of Rossville High School. On June 18, 1955 he married Disca Ann McKown in Liberty, MO. After 30 years of service, Earl retired from the Post Office in 1985 and then enjoyed 30 years of traveling with his wife.
    He was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Stella Kovar and sisters, Betty Ann Kovar and Agnes Anna Rafferty. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Disca Ann Kovar; daughters, Kimberly Ann Thurmond (Craig) and Kay Marie Kovar (Susan Duncan); sister, Evelyn Marie Thompson; sister-in-law, Sammy Mihlhauser and extended family.
    Arrangements: Church-Archer- Pasley Funeral Home, 119 E. Franklin St., Liberty, MO 64068 816-781-2000 Newcomer's Church-Archer-Pasley Funeral Home, 

Book On Early Kansas Baseball History

Mark Evberle is writing a book about early Kansas baseball.  He would like old pictures.  If you have pictures of old baseball teams or games,  or even news articles,  I am sure that Mark would like to read or see what you have.  I am sure there is a lot of baseball history around Rossville.   And,  it might make it into Mark's book.

		Mark Eberle November 16 at 11:48am
As some of you know, I have been researching the early history of Kansas baseball (1858-1941). Part of this research is about what baseball was like back then from the perspective of the various types of teams: town teams (white males), women’s teams, African American teams, American Indian teams, Mexican American teams, youth & collegiate summer leagues, minor leagues, and major leagues (the teams touring through Kansas). The other part of the research is about the nine historical baseball parks in the state with grandstands constructed before WWII (1924-1940): Rossville, Kinsley, Wichita, Garden City, Chanute, Larned, Junction City, El Dorado, and Hays.  I submitted a book proposal based on this research to the University Press of Kansas this fall, and it was accepted last week. The manuscript is mostly complete, and I have until March 1, 2016 to finish it. I have visited a few local museums and libraries already, but I will also be searching for a few more old photographs and arranging permissions to include them in the book. After I submit the text, it will undergo reviews, editing, and design that will run through the summer, so the plan is to release the book in March 2017. Most book sales come during the first year, so they want this book to be “fresh” when high schools, summer leagues, and the Royals are gearing up for another baseball season.  If you have any questions, interest, or knowledge (or know someone who does) about any of the subjects listed above or any of the old ballparks in Kansas, please feel free to contact me. I check my e-mail regularly (meberle@fhsu.edu). The book is 16 months away, but I am happy to provide information in the meantime. I have already shared information about some of the old ballparks with people who are working to maintain them. I hope we don't lose any more of these historical structures. Kansas has some of the best in the country. Best regards.

Exchange Students In Baseball Film

 A Unique Experience For Exchange Students

    Quiet on the set and Play Ball!! The filming of a documentary was a unique experience to learn about America's favorite pastime: baseball. On  October 18, 2015, foreign exchange students at Rossville Junior/Senior High School joined the volunteer “extras” for the documentary ‘Town Teams:  Bigger than Baseball. The exchange students who were movie extras were Aom Yoksiri from Thailand and Gabriela Miele from Brazil from AYA, Academic Year in America: Iana Catana from Moldova and Artur from Kyrgyzstan with FLEX, Future Leaders Exchange program through the US Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. 

    Joe Campbell Stadium became the set for the 1919 baseball game; Model A and  Model T Fords were parked along the outfield fence, the baseball team wore pinstriped uniforms and the spectators were dressed up for the games. Artur  said, “Seeing all the old cars and talking to the owners was his favorite part.” Lisa Thornburg of Rossville PRIDE redesigned the scoreboard to look  like the board from the original game. Rossville Rattler volunteers Craig  Thornburg, Perry and Allan Foster completed the 1900’s look and removed  the advertisements from the outfield fence. Many volunteer hours made this  exciting day a success.

      The scene was near El Dorado, Kansas in 1919 during the oil boom.  The teams of Midian and the Oil Hill Empires were facing off to be the  champion of the oil belt in the Midwest. It is estimated that over 2,500 fans  came to watch the important game and three ringers were brought into play,  including Casey Stengel, Hall of Fame New York Yankee manager and Fred  “Dad” Bramble, a pitcher who played in the minor leagues. A thrilling part of  the reenactment was the brawl that started from a hard slide into second  base. The extras reacted with cheers and boos to the imaginary plays on the field. Iana said, “It was my first time taking part in shooting a film, I was  one of the girls who were supposed to be cheering for the boys playing in  one of the scenes, all the cameras were focused on us while we were  giggling.”

      The documentary is by DHTV Digital, a film production company from  Kansas City. The production director in Mark Honer spent the day adjusting cameras, moving the extras for the scenes and directing the action. Aom said, “We were there for five hours and it was fun, but I was glad to have a hotdog at the baseball stadium.” It was long day of shooting the action and then repositioning the cameras and then doing it again. ‘Town Teams;  Bigger than Baseball is set to be released in Spring 2016, just in time for another season of baseball. Gabriela said, “It was so much fun and I can’t  wait to see it.”

Left to Right:  Aom Yoksiri, Iana Catana, Artur Alimzhanov, Gabriela Miele

Rossville Will Host Wellsville

    Rossville will host Wellsville Friday in the semi-final round of the state playoffs.  Wellsville knocked off Sabetha,  the team that ended the Silver Lake Eagles chances at the title.
    Information about the Wellsville 31-14 victory over Sabetha is at:
http://cjonline.com/sports/2015-11-13/wellsville-holds-sabetha-advance-3a-state-semifinals
    The complete playoff bracket can be viewed at:
http://kshsaa.org/Public/ScoreCenter/Brackets/Football/3A.cfm?Activity=1

Wilma "Billee" Dolezilek (46) Passes Away

Wilma B. "Billee" Dolezilek, 86 passed away Friday, November 13, 2015.

She was born November 16, 1928 at Rossville the daughter of Charles and Sadie Viola Stum Baird.  She graduated from Rossville High School in 1946.  Mrs. Dolezilek lived all of her life in the Rossville community except for a few years she lived in Topeka.

Billee worked for the State of Kansas, and later for Volume Shoe Corporation in Topeka.  She was an active member of the Rossville High School Alumni Association.

On June 18, 1949 she was united in marriage to George D. Dolezilek in Topeka.  He preceded her in death on June 15, 1984.  She was also preceded in death by her 7 siblings and a grandson, Charles Bryson Dolezilek.

Survivors include three sons, Donald (Jane) Dolezilek, Dover, Charles (Vicki) Dolezilek, Aurora, CO., and Gerry (Nancy) Dolezilek, Kenai, AK; her daughter, Ann Dolezilek, Littleton, CO; five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandaughter.

Memorial services will be private.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Rossville Alumni Association and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, Kansas 66536.

Note by Frank:   Wilma worked very hard behind the scenes for the Alumni Assn.  She maintained the data base of addresses and  other data for the Assn for many years and was always my best source of information for this web site and its predesessors for  the last 18 years.   She will be greatly missed by me and my readers.  

Rossville-Colgan Video

    The RHS=Colgan game begins at about the 4:45 point of this video:
http://ksnt.com/2015/11/13/football-frenzy-111315/
     There are also highlights of the game at:
http://www.wibw.com/sports/ksprepzone/headlines/KPZ-Sectional-St-Marys-Colgan-at-Rossville-347837331.html
     Both stations only showed first half highlights.  They missed Tucker Horak's run of the season where he shed numerous tacklers to battle all the way to the goal line from 54 yards out.