When Ryan Schartz takes his Fort Osage football team to Raymore-Peculiar for Class 5 state quarterfinal action at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, he’ll be in some familiar territory.
The Indians coach graduated from Raymore-Peculiar High School in 1992 and was part of the 10-0 regular season squad that dropped its opening playoff game his senior year.
He hasn’t forgotten that moment and he doesn’t want his 11-0 Indians squad to experience the same type of heartache and disappointment.
“I think we want to win this game for Coach Schartz and his coaches more than we want to win it for ourselves,” all-state defensive back E.J. Gaines, who has become one of the Indians’ top offensive threats this season.
“We know Coach Schartz went to Ray-Pec, and we’re not going to let him down. We’ve come close to going to state the past two years and, now, we’re close again. We know we’re going to have to play our best game to win at their place and that’s what we plan on doing.”
The Indians have become one of the most successful teams in Eastern Jackson County the past three years, nearly making it to the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis – the site of the Show-Me Bowl state championships – the past two seasons.
“We came within a game of going to state a couple of years ago and lost (6-0 to Raytown South) in the quarterfinals last year, so we know what disappointment in the postseason feels like,” said defensive back Nathan Hancock, who played a key role in the Indians’ 28-6 regional win Monday night against Park Hill with a blocked punt that led to a Fort Osage score.
“We have the greatest coaches in the world, and they’re getting us ready for Raymore-Peculiar. We’re going to watch a lot of film this week and be ready for anything they throw at us.”
Gaines backed that statement.
“We’re always prepared,” said Gaines, who had his first two interceptions of the season and scored three touchdowns in the win over Park Hill. “I think is the most talented team I’ve played on at Fort Osage, and it has the most depth.
“And our coaches work night and day so that when we walk out on the field, we’re ready.”
This is the first undefeated team in the history of Fort Osage, yet Schartz said the additional pressure that comes from that type of success has posed no problems for his players.
