Sports editor
At 5-1 this season, the Marion High School football team is off to its best start since the 2005 season when it began 6-0.
Despite the success, the previous games do not count toward whether or not the Warriors qualify for the state playoffs. MHS must win at least two of its final three games to have a chance to make the 3A, 64-team field.
The Warriors will be at Herington Friday, home against Southeast of Saline Oct. 24, and back on the road at Hillsboro Oct. 30 to finish their season schedule.
All four teams will play each other during the final three weeks. The two teams with the best record in those games will advance to the playoffs.
Two victories in three games are usually enough to ensure a trip to the post-season, but it does not guarantee it. If one of the four teams were to lose all three games, and the other finish 2-1, a tie-breaker will determine which two teams advance.
Below is a short season synopsis for each team in District XIV with Marion.
herington (1-5)
The Railers are coming off their first victory of the season Friday, 32-29 against Lyndon.
Herington moved up to 3A this season after playing at the 2A level for many years.
This game will renew a rivalry that was prevalent before the Warriors joined the Mid-Central Activities Association in 2004.
Southeast of Saline (3-3)
The Trojans of Gypsum clawed back to .500 this past week with a four-point victory against Ellsworth.
SES is clearly not the team that won the 2005 3A state championship game, but head coach, and close friend to Warrior head coach Grant Thierolf, Pat Haxton usually has his troops ready to play.
On paper, the Warriors have the edge. However, Thierolf is smart enough to know games aren’t played on paper.
hillsboro (4-2)
The Trojans have been solid this year, losing only to Hoisington and Smoky Valley.
Running back Ishmael Morris leads a potent offense that averages more than 30 points per game.
Their defense has been shaky at times, but HHS has won at least one playoff game the past two years despite not having one of the better records in the MCAA.