As the last remaining undefeated team in the Sunflower League, the 4-0 SM East squad expects a defense-focused game tonight against 2-2 league rivals SM South.
East’s ability to run the ball and equally stop opponents’ running game has outweighed a weak special teams unit and a tendency to fumble. Their season has been defined by last minute wins that keep fans on the edges of their seats.
Senior quarterback Christian Blessen has solidified the team as a Sunflower League leader in rushing yards and stepping up his passing abilities in games against Olathe North and Northwest. First on the team and league in rushing yards, senior running back Luke Taylor is a catalyst for this East squad. Senior Dominique Atkinson and junior Kyle Ball characterize the hard-nosed East defense, with four points in the Olathe North alone off a blocked punt and a safety.
Meanwhile, the South squad will depend on their defense to buoy their offensively weak program. In the last years, East has outscored South 50-0, and this years’ squad continues to be defense-based. Leading the team is senior Ra’keim Abdul, a running back and safety who is being scouted by Division I teams such as New Mexico.
South relies on Abdul to run the ball on offense and rarely sees passing from senior quarterback Chase Allen. Last week, the East defense proved themselves effective in shutting down Olathe North’s powerful rushing game, led by league star Venus Triplett. They expect to use similar techniques to stop South’s rush-heavy offense.
South’s main strength lies in defense, where Abdul is also a leader. South has one of the strongest defenses in the Sunflower League, with an especially strong secondary. Despite their ability to disrupt passes, Delaney will continue to focus on Blessen’s constantly improving passing.
Both teams expect the game to be low-scoring and to end with another dramatic finish. Kickoff begins at 6:30 p.m. and the theme for the student section is Fiesta. Can’t make it to the game? Watch the broadcast here.
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