One is enough

By Adam Sullivan PrepsKC staff writer
Posted: August 31, 2012 - 10:43 PM



Not very often do you find a rivalry in high school athletics that a hurricane can’t even stop. On Friday night we saw Olathe South and Olathe East hook up at ODAC in the pouring rain from hurricane Isaac. Both fan bases came out in packs and filled the stands despite the rain.
 
On a night that saw the wind and the rain not dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd or players, South ground out a 6-0 win to open the season.
 
“Our students have been here since four o clock, it’s truly just amazing how passionate they are.” South quarterback Frank Seurer Jr. said.  
 
Olathe East came out motivated not just for the rivalry, but playing for a fallen player Nate Trinkle who passed away in a car wreck earlier this season. Carrying the No. 48 jersey Trinkle would have worn to the captains coin toss as East students chanted “State for Nate” you could tell Olathe East was ready to play.
 
Defenses and the weather controlled the game completely as both teams combined for five turnovers.

”It was so hard to just hold onto the ball with the weather.” Seurer said.
 
In a game that turned out in a way like a soccer game, where one touchdown would be all that was needed. With two minutes to go in the first quarter, South running back Chase Hanson broke free of Olathe East defenders and went 74 yards for the touchdown carry. After a missed PAT South took a 6-0 lead, and soon found out that would be all they needed.
 
The closest East would come to tying the game would be late in the third quarter when East had the ball at South’s 20-yard line. John Blazevic dropped back to pass, but was intercepted by South defender Matt Elliot in the end zone ending Olathe East’s chances at a touchdown.
 
Passing in this game was nowhere to be found. Olathe South never even attempted a pass, while John Blazevic from Olathe East went 1-6 for 3yards with one interception.
With passing out of the question both teams had to adapt to the weather and focus on field position and the ground attack.
 
Olathe East finished with 51 yards rushing on the night, while South ran for 65. Hanson was the leading rusher in the game finishing with 74 yards and the only touchdown. Leading the rushing attack for East was running back Ryan Woodson who finished the night with four carries for 21 yards.

In a game that had so much hype coming in, we really didn’t get too see the full potential of the rivalry.
 
“Olathe East is a great team, they played very physical and kept it interesting. I really hope we meet them again in the playoffs on a dry field, but it definitely is still satisfying beating them.”  Seurer said about the rivalry.
 
With the win Olathe South opens its state championship-defending season (1-0) while Olathe East will try and turn things around at (0-1).
 
“We did something really well tonight, but it’s hard to get a true idea of how talented we are this season. With our offensive line being so young I was proud the way they fought in this game.” South head coach Jeff Gourley said after the victory.

Up next for Olathe South is a home game against Shawnee Mission North, while Olathe East will face off with Olathe Northwest.