Going into their first playoff game, the Huskies had a 5-3 record, along with being last year’s state champions. Despite their opponent, the OEHS Hawks, having a 2-6 record, head coach Clint Rider said the team did not disregard their adversary.

“You can’t overlook anybody. And, you know, you can’t let your opponent or their record dictate the way you play,” Rider said.

In order to move forward to regionals, the Huskies needed to win this game, however, the Hawks came out strong scoring the first touchdown of the game with 7:34 left in the first quarter. According to Rider, although the team ended up winning by 21 points, they still have some things to work on for next week.

“We got some things to clean up in the RPO game, just holding the ball too long,” Rider said. “At times we could have been better in the backfield and then obviously, some of the quarterback reads were a little off there for a little bit.”

Despite Olathe East’s head start, BVNW was quick to respond. By the end of the first quarter, the Huskies led the Hawks 14-7. The Huskies continued their scoring streak as the game went on, and by the end of the first half, they were up 28-14.

“We played really well in the first half. I mean, going up [28-14] and just dominating the run game. O-line again just keeps dominating and Grant’s doing a really good job,” senior quarterback Conner White said.  

With 0:47 remaining in the third quarter, junior wide-receiver Gavin Hoffman scored his second touchdown of the night, increasing the Huskies’ lead to 35-14. According to Hoffman, as the team moves on to the next round, they need to continue doing what they have been doing well, while also working on their passing game, among other things.

“I think we just have to keep doing the same things and keep punching the ball down the throat but also staying effective in the pass game,” Hoffman said.

In the fourth quarter, both OEHS and BVNW would go on to score one more touchdown each, ending the game with a final score of 42-21. With this win, the Huskies will move on to play again next week, Nov. 4, against either Gardner Edgerton or Shawnee Mission East. 

“It’s really awesome getting to move on. I mean, it’s a win or go home now so it feels really good to keep moving on,” White said. “Of course [our goal] is always gonna be to win State, but it starts with week by week and going 1-0 each week.”

As the team prepares for their next playoff game, Hoffman said that although it will not be easy, he has confidence in his team.

“I think it’s gonna be a battle from here on out. I think we just got to stay physical and stay together as a team and just got to keep fighting,” Hoffman said.