PATRICK SCHMIEDT Star-Tribune staff writer | Posted: Friday, October 10, 2008 12:00 am
Technically, the Kelly Walsh Trojans still control their own fate in the Class 5A North Conference standings.
Realistically, KW coach Jim Horne knows his team will be the underdog for the rest of the season - beginning with the Trojans' game tonight at third-ranked Gillette.
And even with a 2-4 record, including a 57-27 loss to Green River last week, Horne said having control is a nice boost to give to his players.
"That's a real positive thing for our football team," Horne said. "Our kids understand that and in spite of our weak performance (last week) we do control our own destiny."
While the Trojans are coming off a 30-point loss in which they trailed by 36 at halftime, the Camels from Gillette are surging after topping Natrona County 15-13 last week.
At 1-1 in league play, Gillette coach Vic Wilkerson said his team understands its position - and also understands how much power Kelly Walsh can still wield on the conference standings.
"They realize we've got to come to work every week and have good practice weeks and perform at our best every game," he said. " … I think the kids have realized the importance of any conference games and you can't overlook any of them."
While Gillette's star running back, Logan Pokallus, will miss his second straight game due to injury, the Camels proved in last week's victory that there's more to what they do than one player. For now, the success of the Camels' offense now centers on quarterback Alan Sisel and his ability to distribute the ball.
KW will be sticking with what it knows best - an offense centered around an option running game.
"Option football is tough on a defense," Wilkerson said. "They make you stay disciplined and key on certain guys and put them in a bind."
After falling behind quickly in the first half last week, Horne said all he wants to do for the first three quarters against the Camels - a team that beat Green River 14-13 earlier this season - is keep it close.
After that, who knows?
"You never know what can happen if you stay in the game," he said.
The Trojans at least want that chance tonight.
Contact high school sports coordinator Patrick Schmiedt at (307) 266-0615 or patrick.schmiedt@trib.com.
Game Tracker
WHAT: Kelly Walsh (2-4, 1-0) at Gillette (4-2, 1-1 5A North)
WHEN: 7 p.m. today
WHERE: Camel Stadium, Gillette
LAST TIME THEY MET: Kelly Walsh beat Gillette 24-22 on Oct. 12, 2007, in Casper.