By TYLER HENRY
Little Apple Post contributor
Few teams in the country look as imposing as the Andale Indians, who currently hold the nation's second-longest winning streak at 48 games.
The last Indian loss came at the end of what is now six straight undefeated regular seasons, and that state championship stumble to Pratt is one of only two total losses in the six-year tenure of head coach Dylan Schmidt.
This season, Andale has shown no signs of slowing down, outscoring their ten opponents 577-68, and pitching four shutouts in their last six games.
This week, the Indians will line up against Rock Creek looking to move one game closer to 50 consecutive wins, and potentially a fourth-straight 3A state title.
Most people around the state of Kansas aren’t giving the Mustangs a shot, but Rock Creek understands the one fundamental rule of a matchup like this.
If you’re going to come for Goliath, you’d better bring one hell of a sling.
Unlike a lot of teams that have stared down Andale over the years, the Mustangs hold an offense that actually outgained the Indians through the regular season, and while there will be no room for error on Friday night, Rock Creek will not go quietly without delivering their best shot to this 3A juggernaut.
“There’s no group of guys that I’d rather go into a game like this with,” Mustang head coach Shane Sieben said. “This is a great group of kids and we really feel like we have nothing to lose.”
Fundamentally, the Indians pose problems on both sides of the ball that many 3A programs can only dream of creating, but above all else, it’s the tenacity of Andale that sets them apart.
“They do everything well but their physicality is the first thing that stands out to you when you watch them on film,” Sieben said. “They’re so fast, aggressive and physical and they play very well together. You can’t take away any one guy, and they’re incredibly deep. This is the most talented group I’ve seen in my time here.”
Despite all of that, Rock Creek will shift their focus within this week, understanding the things that got them to this point and honing them to a T ahead of the biggest matchup of their season.
“All of our guys play really well together and we have to put our focus on us and play at the highest level that we can,” he said. “If we worry about all of the talent and ability that they have it’s going to be a long night. We’ve got to focus on us and execute at a high level.”
Offensively, the task will fall to Dalton Whitworth and company to deliver a career performance against the best defense Rock Creek has faced all season, but the state’s reigning passing leader and a potent offense have no interest in backing down from this challenge.
“We have to take care of the football,” Sieben said. “We can’t help them out by giving them the ball and to even have a shot we have to win the turnover battle. We also have to execute and make plays when we have opportunities.”
Defensively it will also take a herculean effort for Rock Creek to hold back an Indian offense that has ground down team after team this season, but the Mustangs are coming off of their best defensive performance of the season after holding Hesston without a single score in the second half.
“I’ve been pleased with our ability to respond to adversity in these playoffs so far,” he said. “You know you’re going to face good teams in the postseason and guys are going to make plays. The ability of our guys to respond to that and make plays themselves was great to see.”
The Mustangs understand that the odds may be long this week, but with all the pressure resting as it often does on the favorites, Rock Creek can focus on settling into their game in front of the home faithful.
“I don’t think there’s anyone outside of our locker room that’s giving us a chance and rightfully so," Sieben said. "Andale is unbelievable but we’re playing with house money and we’re looking forward to going out there and seeing how high of a level we can play at.”
Kickoff between the Mustangs and Indians is set for 7 pm at Rock Creek High School with the winner advancing to the 3A semifinals to take on 7-3 Clay Center or 8-2 Cheney.