Kansas football teams grateful to spend Thanksgiving weekend on the gridiron

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The holidays are a relaxing time for many, but for Kansas high school football teams playing in late November, it’s about the grind.

No one knows this better than powerhouse Andale, as the Indians look to run the table again. Head coach Dylan Schmidt said his players have driven the program’s success.

“It’s been a super fun year for me, and the guys have been great,” Schmidt said. “They’ve got a great sense of humor and are willing to do anything we ask them to do, and you enjoy those years as coach.”

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It’s the same story for 2A Southeast of Saline. The closest regular-season game for the Trojans was a 46-7 win against Clay Center. Last week’s game against Hoisington was a nail-biter, but the Trojans pulled it off, viewing a Thanksgiving practice as a privilege.

“Our kids are excited to practice Thanksgiving week,” head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “It’s the one thing we talked about several times, and it’s very much a privilege to get to play there.”

Class 5A’s Salina Central, on the other hand, is looking to win its first title in 20 years. The Mustangs have galloped their way to the biggest game, continuing to shock the class.

Head coach Mark Sandbo said it’s about how his guys have viewed the pressure.

“We have a big saying around here that pressure is a privilege,” he said. “There’s a lot of pressure when you play at Central, and with it a lot of expectations. Our kids are used to handling that.”

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Kapaun Mt. Carmel and Sterling are vying for their first state titles in about 40 years. Last Friday was about the Black Bears defense, which held Smith Center to just six points in sub-state.

“I couldn’t be more proud of our defense, and they had some things against our offense that were good looks and they took some space out and made things difficult,” Sterling head coach Brent Schneider said. “I thought our offense did some great things and just played physical football, so I was proud of our kids.”

For the Crusaders, who haven’t won state since 1987, it’s about head coach Weston Schartz getting to spend a little extra time with his group.

“It’s awesome to be spending this extra month with these guys,” Schartz said. “I don’t want it to end; we want to keep playing and winning and just being around each other.”

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Classes 1A, 3A and 5A will play their state title games on Friday, while classes 2A, 4A and 6A will play their state titles games on Saturday.

But amid the fierce competition on the field, Thanksgiving food can bring everyone together.

Both Andale linebacker Sam Kuepker and Kapaun linebacker Cal Purvis said mashed potatoes are the favorite holiday menu item.

“I’m not much of a ham guy, I’m not going to lie,” Purvis said.

“I say mashed potatoes would be my favorite,” said Andale linebacker Sam Kuepker.

And Schartz had his own thoughts on dessert.

“A lot of whipped cream and a little bit of pumpkin pie,” he said. “I love pumpkin pie, no doubt, but it’s got to be covered in whipped cream.”

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