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.
“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.
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