Cowboys Answer the Bell at McPherson

Cowboys Answer the Bell at McPherson

Erik Graefe

There rests in the hearts and minds of Abilene Cowboy fans a certain narrative where recent football history is concerned. The narrative exists in many forms. In all those forms is a common theme including the Cowboys dominating the NCKL only to fall short against better competition during district playoffs. Some fans feel Abilene’s district to be unfair. Some fans feel that teams like McPherson, Hays, and Buhler should be classified as larger schools given their size relative to Abilene. Some fans believe the Cowboys should perhaps seek another league alliance or at the very least, schedule tougher opponents during the preseason. The merit or lack thereof where all of these positions are concerned is fodder for continued speculation, but the greatest aspect of competition is that when the contest begins, speculation, merited or otherwise, is of absolutely no consequence. As Steve Simpson’s Cowboys took the field at McPherson Stadium on Friday night, not one of them gave an inkling of thought to a narrative suggesting they would fall short against the Bullpups.  Not one.

Harley All the Way - Click to Play Video

McPherson returned the opening kickoff deep into Cowboy territory, looking primed to score early on Abilene. Nathan Howard’s defense responded mightily though, holding McPherson out of the end zone by staying disciplined on a fourth down play and handing the ball back to Abilene’s offense. The Cowboy offense answered with an 89 yard drive, capped by an option run by senior quarterback Harley Hazlett to take a 7-0 lead on the Pups. Following the Cowboy drive, McPherson tied the score on a pass play just out of the reach of safety Ryan Wilson. The Bullpups would go on to score 10 more unanswered points as Abilene sputtered offensively for nearly the entirety of the first half. With fourteen seconds remaining in the first half, the Cowboys trailed by a score of 17-7. Do you recall the moment in the first Rocky film when the young southpaw upstart first knocked Apollo Creed down with a vicious left? Ding. The ringside bell rings out, Burgess Meredith’s face in Rocky’s corner showing simultaneous bewilderment and raw defiance, as if to say, “This fight is far from over.” Ding. With eleven seconds remaining in the first half, Harley Hazlett took the snap from Andy Tope, looking downfield as if preparing to throw a desperation pass to either Ryan Wilson, Trey Bender, or Dylan Ford. Hazlett had no intention of letting the football leave his hands. Once the defense spread, Hazlett attacked, zig zagging 61 yard through the entire McPherson team. Ding. Hazlett’s touchdown brought the Cowboys within four at half-time. Abilene 13, McPherson 17. This fight was far from over.

Bender Jets - Click to Play Video

Trey Bender displayed a gear that not many knew existed as he took the opening kickoff of the second half 85 yards untouched up the sideline for a touchdown. Abilene never relented. Nathan Howard’s defense, having made adjustments during the break, imposed their will on McPherson for the entire second half, holding the Pups scoreless. Trey Bender and Ryan Wilson both contributed spectacular interceptions while a host of other Cowboy defenders made plays. Dylan Ford put in a stellar effort for Howard in the secondary, and the Cowboy linebackers, composed of Parker Base, Parker O’Neal, and Jason Tarn were tough all night. Howard’s defensive line, anchored by junior Sam Burt and senior Jovany Garcia provided a strong push against a good McPherson offensive line, allowing teammates to make plays in space. In short, Howard’s defense dominated.

Following Bender’s interception in Bullpup territory in the third quarter, Simpson decided to dig a bit deeper in to his playbook. Hazlett pitched to junior Ryan Wilson, appearing to initiate a sweep. Wilson pulled up after a few steps, turned back against the grain and threw a perfect strike to Hazlett who’d snuck behind an unsuspecting Pup defense. Hazlett leapt over the one McPherson defender not completely fooled by the play and ran in to the end zone unmolested. That would be the final score of the night as Abilene won 26-17.

Wilson to Hazlett - Click to Play Video

Somehow this big win for the Cowboys seemed much like their previous six this year. Hazlett, Bender, Wilson, Ford, and company made big plays. Howard’s defense was tough and stingy. Colten Liby owned the late minutes. It may have felt like every other game to Simpson’s guys, yet this one was different. Not only is McPherson a quality team, but this was the first game of district play and a road game, no less. This was a big win.

For fans, there may have been moments where this one felt like it would fit in with the aforementioned narrative concerning Abilene’s struggles during district play. This year’s edition of the Abilene Cowboys would not allow that to happen. It never entered even entered their minds to do so. Abilene will host Hays this Friday at Paul Dennis field for round two of district play. Ding.

Notes from Clay Center week.

Abilene JV won 18-6 over Clay on Monday and the Freshmen won by a score of 24-0.

Varsity MVPs:

            Offense: Harley Hazlett and Hayden Funston

            Defense: Ryan Wilson

            Special Teams: Andy Tope

            Practice: Logan Riekeman

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