Warriors outweighed, outnumbered at Conway Springs
Marion Warriors traveled to Conway Springs Nov. 5 for the first round of the state football playoffs. The Cardinals are the defending 3A champions and favored by many to repeat. They showed why in shutting down the Warriors, 42-0.
Conway Springs suited up more than 60 players for the game and their starting linemen ranged from 230-300 pounds. They were just too big and too quick for the Warriors. Marion battled hard in this one but the outcome was never in doubt.
The Cardinals had led their previous opponent 36-0 at the end of the first quarter, so when the Warriors trailed 14-0 at the same point it didn't seem so bad. In fact it appeared the half would end 28-0 until two quick scores late in the second quarter blew the game wide open.
Leading 42-0 to start the second half the Cardinals started substituting early in the third quarter. The trouble was many of their subs were 200-pound seniors. As the half progressed, Marion Coach Grant Thierolf also substituted freely, mixing his starters and young players while still remaining competitive.
The teams traded possessions until late in the game when the Warriors were able to mount a nice drive. Clayton Chamberland mixed quarterback keepers with runs by Steven Boone and Jason Matz to march down the field. The drive included one last circus catch by Joel Versch who fought off a defender and pulled down the ball.
The Warriors didn't want to be shut out and they came close to a score moving the ball inside the Cardinal's five-yard line.
A second great Versch catch was nullified when the officials ruled he didn't get a foot down in-bounds. Sideline observers strongly disagreed, but the damage was done. The Cardinal defenders held on a fourth-down run and the half-time score became the final score.
For Marion it was a tough way to end a fine season. The Warriors finished 6-4, with two of the losses, Sacred Heart and Conway Springs, to teams that are still undefeated and another to SE Saline, a team that has only been beaten once. The loss to Eureka was a bitter pill and kept the team from having a shot at several more wins before having to meet Conway Springs deeper in the playoffs. It doesn't change the fact that this is a good football team that is respected in the region and represented the school well.
Several seniors are ending their football careers at MHS and deserve mention.
Jared Adams is a reserve lineman who didn't see a lot of varsity playing time but brought a positive attitude and spirit of teamwork with him in practice and the locker room.
Jake Adkins is an undersized defensive end who used great athleticism and work ethic to overcome an early injury and become a starter who seemed to specialize in big plays.
Bronson Shipman was expected to help anchor the Warrior line and did just that in the team's season opening win at Minneapolis. When he went down with a broken arm in the next game it was a severe blow to the squad.
Eric Smith is another lineman that frequently found himself outweighed by 20-30 pounds. He battled game after game and more often than not came out on top.
Matt Rhodes lost most of last season to injury. He stepped up this year and as a starter at safety combined intelligence with a willingness to make big hits and became a consistent performer.
Mitch Enos was the team's "do everything" guy. He played running back, receiver, and defensive back, along with returning punts and kick-offs. What he lacks in size he made up in heart.
Alan Vogel has been a standout player for three seasons. Moving up and down the line he was a dominating presence who led by example.
Joel Versch took his game to a whole new level this year. His slashing kick returns and highlight film catches were a major part of the Warriors' success.
Jason Matz is a football player. He inflicted punishment whether he was tackling or being tackled. His jarring hits and powerful runs often intimidated Warrior opponents.
These young men have contributed to the proud MHS football tradition and deserve the thanks of the community.
Despite the loss of a fine senior class the prospects for next season are bright.
Led by running back and linebacker Steven Boone the Warriors return a solid core of starters including quarterback Clayton Chamberland, receiver and defensive back Tyler Stubenhofer and linemen Jimmy Shipman, Tyler Smith, and Neil Waner.
They will be aided by JV players who saw considerable playing time and were a big part of the Warriors' winning season. Drew Looper, Calvin Riggs, and Dale Vogel all played well and appear ready to take over starting spots. The same can be said for Cody Chiles, Josh and Jake Smith. Dallas Wells also provided valuable depth this year. Tyson Heidebrecht and Kevin Costello showed great promise and will be expected to become impact players.
The freshmen on the team will have to continue to lift weights and work hard, but every one of them showed they have varsity level talent.
With post season dedication this team has the potential to make a run at the final CVL Championship and a trip further into the playoffs next year.
