A perfect record means nothing at this time of the year in high school football.
Just ask Ryan Schartz, the head coach of the 10-0 Fort Osage Indians, who play host to 9-1 Park Hill in Class 5 sectional action at 7 p.m. Monday.
“When I was playing football at Raymore Peculiar, we were 10-0 and got beat in the first round of the playoffs,” Schartz said before a recent practice session.
“That 10-0 record didn’t help us at all in the playoffs, and that’s what our staff has been working on getting across to our team. We’ve had a great season – the first undefeated season in the history of the school – but it doesn’t mean a thing unless we take care of business in the postseason.”
Schartz knew this was going to be a special team when it opened with victories over perennial powers like Park Hill South, Kearney and Lee’s Summit West.
“I don’t care who you are, if you open 3-0 against those teams, you know you’ve got the chance for something pretty special,” said Schartz, whose Indians have been on the brink of reaching the Class 5 state championship game the past two seasons.
“Our guys are battle tested. They know what it takes to be a great opponent and that’s all you’re going to be facing the rest of the way is great opponents. If you make it into the playoffs, you’re a darned good team, and we know that Park Hill is going to be one of the best teams we’ve faced this year.”
And the undefeated Indians are up for the challenge.
“Our coaches have us so ready – mentally and physically – we’re ready to face any team,” said senior offensive lineman Zach Byer, who weighs in at 180 pounds. “We’re undersized, but that doesn’t matter. We know the proper techniques and blocking schemes and we’re ready for anything.”
University of Missouri-bound defensive back/tailback E.J. Gaines agrees.
“Our coaches are the best in the state,” Gaines said. “We study a lot of film and know as much about our opponents as we possibly can. This is my senior year and I want it to be special. The last two years, we came close to going to state and we want to make it happen this year.”
The man who will provide many of they key blocks for Gaines is senior fullback Clayton Stewart.
“I have been so lucky to block for a back like Dalton Krysa (the state’s all-time leading big class rusher, who graduated last year) and now to be blocking for E.J.,” Stewart said.
“With E.J., you know if you make the big block he has the speed to take it to the end zone every time he touches the ball. He’s the type of back who makes his blockers look good because he can score every time he touches the ball.”
Both Park Hill and Fort Osage drew opening-round byes, so each staff will have had plenty of time to dissect the opposing squad.
“They’re going to know a lot about us, and believe me, we’re going to know a lot about them,” Schartz said. “I can’t even imagine what the atmosphere is going to be like at our place on Monday.
“We’re kind of out here all by ourselves and we get the fans from Independence and Sibley and Buckner and I know from going to those areas that the Fort Osage team is the talk of the town.
“And we really appreciate the support we’ve received from the school and from the surrounding communities. When we come out of the locker room and see the stands packed with our fans, it means a lot to the coaches and the players.”
I just want the fans to be aware of that, because they mean as much to us as I hope we mean to them.”
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A perfect record means nothing at this time of the year in high school football.
Just ask Ryan Schartz, the head coach of the 10-0 Fort Osage Indians, who play host to 9-1 Park Hill in Class 5 sectional action at 7 p.m. Monday.
“When I was playing football at Raymore Peculiar, we were 10-0 and got beat in the first round of the playoffs,” Schartz said before a recent practice session.
“That 10-0 record didn’t help us at all in the playoffs, and that’s what our staff has been working on getting across to our team. We’ve had a great season – the first undefeated season in the history of the school – but it doesn’t mean a thing unless we take care of business in the postseason.”
Schartz knew this was going to be a special team when it opened with victories over perennial powers like Park Hill South, Kearney and Lee’s Summit West.
“I don’t care who you are, if you open 3-0 against those teams, you know you’ve got the chance for something pretty special,” said Schartz, whose Indians have been on the brink of reaching the Class 5 state championship game the past two seasons.
“Our guys are battle tested. They know what it takes to be a great opponent and that’s all you’re going to be facing the rest of the way is great opponents. If you make it into the playoffs, you’re a darned good team, and we know that Park Hill is going to be one of the best teams we’ve faced this year.”
And the undefeated Indians are up for the challenge.
“Our coaches have us so ready – mentally and physically – we’re ready to face any team,” said senior offensive lineman Zach Byer, who weighs in at 180 pounds. “We’re undersized, but that doesn’t matter. We know the proper techniques and blocking schemes and we’re ready for anything.”
University of Missouri-bound defensive back/tailback E.J. Gaines agrees.
“Our coaches are the best in the state,” Gaines said. “We study a lot of film and know as much about our opponents as we possibly can. This is my senior year and I want it to be special. The last two years, we came close to going to state and we want to make it happen this year.”
The man who will provide many of they key blocks for Gaines is senior fullback Clayton Stewart.
“I have been so lucky to block for a back like Dalton Krysa (the state’s all-time leading big class rusher, who graduated last year) and now to be blocking for E.J.,” Stewart said.
“With E.J., you know if you make the big block he has the speed to take it to the end zone every time he touches the ball. He’s the type of back who makes his blockers look good because he can score every time he touches the ball.”
Both Park Hill and Fort Osage drew opening-round byes, so each staff will have had plenty of time to dissect the opposing squad.
“They’re going to know a lot about us, and believe me, we’re going to know a lot about them,” Schartz said. “I can’t even imagine what the atmosphere is going to be like at our place on Monday.
“We’re kind of out here all by ourselves and we get the fans from Independence and Sibley and Buckner and I know from going to those areas that the Fort Osage team is the talk of the town.
“And we really appreciate the support we’ve received from the school and from the surrounding communities. When we come out of the locker room and see the stands packed with our fans, it means a lot to the coaches and the players.”
I just want the fans to be aware of that, because they mean as much to us as I hope we mean to them.”
