Wildcats Dominate Crest to Pursue Third Straight TRL Title

The Marmaton Valley High School Wildcats showcased their dominance on October 6, 2023, with a decisive 56-0 victory over the Crest Lancers. This win positions the Wildcats on the brink of clinching their third consecutive Three Rivers League (TRL) title.

In a display of offensive efficiency, Marmaton Valley scored six rushing touchdowns on their first ten carries. The Wildcats established an early lead, scoring their first touchdown within just three plays. Senior quarterback Ty Lord was instrumental, rushing for 107 yards and three touchdowns on only four carries. He also completed three of seven passes for 74 yards, including a standout 37-yard touchdown pass to junior tailback Cooper Scharff.

The team’s success extended beyond Lord. Scharff added 104 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Todd Stevenson contributed significantly with two carries for 67 yards and another score. By the end of the first quarter, the Wildcats had built a commanding 40-0 lead and opted for a conservative strategy in the second quarter.

Crest, grappling with numerous injuries, struggled to mount an effective offensive response. The Lancers managed to cross midfield only once throughout the game. Crest head coach Nick McAnulty acknowledged the challenges posed by Marmaton Valley’s speed and defensive prowess, stating, “They’re very well coached. We knew it was going to be a tough game. They’re fast, and they fly to the football.”

Despite their setbacks, McAnulty expressed pride in his team’s effort during difficult circumstances. “The testament of a man’s character is not during times of comfort,” he commented. “It’s during times of adversity and tribulation when you’ve got to figure out who’s going to go when times are hard.”

The Wildcats’ head coach, Max Mickunas, praised his team’s performance, emphasizing the importance of continual improvement. “As cliché as it sounds, we’re just trying to improve every week. We were better than we were last week, and we were good last week,” he said.

This match also coincided with Crest’s Homecoming celebration, which saw Jensen Barker crowned Homecoming King alongside Queen Kinley Edgerton. Fans and coaches from both teams wore yellow shirts to promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention, a collaboration that Mickunas appreciated.

Looking ahead, the Wildcats aim to secure both the TRL and the Eight Man-II, District 1 titles in their next game against St. Paul, scheduled for Senior Night. Achieving the league title would mark a third straight victory in the TRL, while a district title would signify their second consecutive win in that category.

“This will be for all the marbles,” Mickunas stated, “but these are stepping stones. We are peaking at the right time. Our ultimate goal is to make a run in the playoffs, and we’re on track to do that.” Stevenson echoed this sentiment, expressing a desire for an extended postseason run. “It’d mean a lot to us to go back, but we want to go at least two or three rounds, maybe even further.”

As the Wildcats look to solidify their place in the league, their performance against Crest serves as a powerful reminder of their potential and determination in pursuit of another championship title.