Oak Park High Schools Northmen travel to Fort Osage on Friday for the second time in 3 weeks to square off once again with the Indians. This time, with much larger implications.
A win would secure a trip to the Class 5 State Quarterfinals, something the Northmen haven't done in this century.
Can Oak Park erase then narrative, or will the home team continue the undefeated streak against the Northmen?
Offense:
It is safe to say that Oak Park has proved themselves as the real deal. Claiming the #2 seed with a 7-2 regular season record has surprised most, but it was the expectation for this year team. The Northmen are coming off a cold and rainy playoff win 33-21 against the Platte County Pirates in week 11, a game anyone in attendance won't soon forget!!
A win in week 12 versus the Indians would add District Champions to the resume this season, their first since 1996.
You can not ignore the work this offensive line of Oak Park is putting in, and they will need to be at the top of their game once again this week. Fort O has a big D-Line, this will be one of the biggest keys to success for Oak Park if they can get past them. The battle between the Oak Park Offensive Line and the Fort Osage Defensive Line will be a key matchup to watch on Friday night.
"This year, the Oak Park Football squad has really turned our program around. We have shown everyone that Oak Park is not the same sub .500 team everyone might be used too. We all play for one another, and we push each other to be the best versions of ourselves. That's one of the many reasons why this year Oak Park Football team is successful." - '24 Evan Braxton, #7 WR/RB
Looking to capitalize on the ground work being led by the offensive line will be the trio of '24
Aiden Hinkle, '25
Travon Pankey, and '23 Marlon Gant. All three of these Northmen have been creating match-up nightmares for most teams this season. Just when you think you have it figured out, the Northmen mix it up and someone else is creating highlights on the field. Throw in the work of '23 WR
Xavier Williams, one of the most electric football players in Kansas City this year, and the Indians will have their hands full on Friday night.
Defense:
The Northmen Defense, who came up just a few plays short in their last meeting with the Fort Osage Offense. I also had the chance to speak to 2 starting defensive players, #9 JR
Churchill Coates and #89 JR Jordan Bruce. When I asked them about the Defensive Group as a whole, they told me;
"This season, our defense has come a long way. We were really an overlooked team (in Kansas City). Now we are putting up numbers anyone in the state would look at and respect. We have shown we are a great team, and we expect that to continue moving forward.
Having Coach Pugh join our team, our defense performance has exploded this season, he makes sure we are prepared and gets us excited about doing our jobs.
When you prepare for Fort Osage, you better be ready to go the full 4 quarters and leave everything on the field." - '24 Churchill Coates, #9 DB and '24 Jordan Bruce, #89 DE
What to Expect:
Fort Osage has been dominant against Oak Park in seasons past. Fort Osage has never lost to Oak Park at home. They look to continue the streak on Friday night, as the Indians are led by QB Greg Menne, a dual-threat athlete who can sling the rock and run the ball. Menne's last game against Oak Park was simple and effective, completing 9 of his 15 attempted passes, throwing for 140 yards, and 2 TD's. Menne is accompanied by the Sophomore RB Ryver Peppers, who last game against the Northmen put up nearly 200 yards on 20 carries with 3 TDs on the game. Fort Osages' defense is not one to look past, giving the Northmen some trouble last game. Fort Osage's defense forced a fair share of holding penalties, and they look to do the same under the Friday Night Lights.
Pride, Respect, Recognition, and most importantly, a W.
These are just some of the things that are on the line in a chilly Friday Night Postseason game, where both teams have 1 goal in mind.
"District Championship"
Purchase your tickets at
mshsaa.org/CMSPages/Tickets.aspx, and we hope to see you there. #ForTheFamily.
Broadcast Link (Pay For):
https://www.mshsaa.tv/?B=462162
