I have been reading all the hype leading up to this game, and I have stayed quiet so far. Now that the final result is in, lets review some of the things discussed.
Point #1: "Minnick (Kearney) is a better coach than Ambroson (Smithville)"
Both Smithville and Kearney have solid coaches that obviously know the game. It is evident by the way their kids play with passion. However, last time I checked, coach Ambroson is the only coach with a state championship between the two and has been to three semi-final games. Those have all come in the last 5 years. How in the world could you come up with a silly statement like that?? Both teams had all year long to game plan for the District championship, because everyone knew we would see the rematch. Well, the results are in and Smithville made the adjustments needed to put the game in auto-clock to finish the game. Auto-clock!! Also, remember that it take an entire coaching staff to have a great program. Kearney has a great group of coaches and will continue to be relevant in class 4 going forward, but Smithville has the best staff in class 4 without a doubt. Examples would include half-time adjustments from last years Lincoln Prep game, 20 point comeback over MICDS, and blowout of Hannibal in the state title game last year when nobody could figure out how to stop Aneyas Williams except for Smithville. Of course you also have the adjustments made to coming into last nights game.
Point #2: "Kearney is just too talented"
Kearney has lots of talent, there is no doubt about that. However, lets take a look at the current junior and senior class of Smithville. If you did your research, these group of kids have dominated the KC area football scene for the 8 last years. Teams with Briggs Bartosh, Sam Van Dyne, Caden Green, and Chandavian Bradley, were always on the losing end of those games. The Smithville upperclassmen regardless of classification have beat the best of the best. To say that another team is just that much more talented is an uneducated statement. The core guys on that team like Strickland, Hedgecorth, Donnell, Boyd and many more are going to find a way to will their team to victory. Yes, Kearney may have a track state championship, but when everyone puts on the pads, Smithville somehow beats everyone to the spot. They don't care about the stats, they just care about winning!!
Unmentioned point: "Heart"
This team's heart can never be underestimated. When the Friday Night lights come on, they find another gear and make things happen. They don't have the 6'5" QB, 6;5" receiver or the 225lb fullback, but as a group they dominate the competition. There is also no quit and they fight until the last second. Watch highlight of the MICDS game, or watch highlights of the first Kearney vs Smithville game. Even though Smithville missed the two point conversion to go ahead, they still found a way to get the onside kick and had a chance to win with a FG at the end.
I appreciated TopHat2021 and his analysis. I feel like you had a balanced view of both teams. Joey, I appreciate your passion for your team, but no more excuses. Admit what is obvious and then you can focus on next year.
Kearney had a great season, and nobody expected them to go into the playoff undefeated. The Kearney players and community should be proud of that. Someday, Kearney may take that District title torch from them down the road. It just wasn't going to be this year.
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